"  ^/.  •  •  w 


*^x 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 

MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


wm 


* 


DADD 

ON  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

THE  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE, 


DESCRIPTIONS  AND  ILLUSTRATIONS 

or 
VARIOUS  ORGANS  AND  FUNCTIONS  OF   THE  ANIMAL  ECONOMY. 

CONTAINING  ALSO, 

USEFUL  AND  PRACTICAL  INTORMATION 

ON  BREEDING,  VENTILATION,  AND  DIET, 
BY   GEO.    H.    DADD, 

VETERINARY  SURGEON. 

Author  of  "  Anatomy  and  Physiology  of  the  Horse,"  "  Modern  Horse  Doctor,"  etc., 
Lecturer  on  Veterinary  Science  at  the  Boston  Veterinary  School. 


Those  Physicians  generally  become  the  most  eminent,  who  soonest  emancipate  them- 
selves from  the  tyranny  of  the  schools  of  physic.  —  Rush. 


THIRD  THOUSAND. 


BOSTON: 

JOHN     P.    JE^VETT    AND     COMPANY 

NEW   YORK:      C.    M.    SAXTON. 

1859. 


^ 


h^..    A 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by 

JOHN  P.  JEWETT  AND  COMPANY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


LITHOTTPED  BT  COWLES  AND  COMPANT, 
17   WASHINGTON  ST.,  BOSTON. 


Printed  by  R  M.  Edwards. 


f-'^. 


PREFACE. 


During  the  past  few  years,  American  husbandmen 
have  been,  without  regard  to  cost,  extensively  engaged 
in  importing  some  of  the  finest  specimens  of  neat  stock 
that  man  ever  beheld ;  and  in  consequence  of  these 
laudable  enterprises,  a  very  marked  improvement  in 
this  description  of  live  stock  is  continually  occurring. 
Having  great  interests  at  stake  in  the  ownership  of 
more  costly  and  valuable  animals  than  have  hitherto 
been  found  in  this  country,  and  great  losses  continu- 
ally occurring  in  consequence  of  premature  deaths, 
brought  on  by  unnecessary  diseases ;  the  common  in- 
quiry among  farmers  and  dairymen  is,  —  How  shall  we 
protect  our  property  against  the  ravages  of  disease  ? 
But  a  more  important  question,  in  my  opinion,  might  be 
asked ;  viz..  How  shall  diseases  be  prevented  ?  K  this 
country  could  only  boast  of  a  class  of  men  highly  edu- 
cated in  all  that  pertains  to  the  veterinary  art,  and,  pro- 
vided such  persons  practised  a  rational  system  of  medi- 
cation, and  had  the  necessary  faith  in  the  powers  of 
nature  to  cure  disease;  then,  these  questions  might 
easily  be  solved. 

Unfortunately  for  the  interest  of  stock  owners,  and 

iii 

M370502 


IV  PREFACE. 

the  welfare  of  their  stock,  there  are  but  few  persons  in 
this  country  conversant  with  the  theory  and  practice  of 
veterinary  medicine,  in  its  application  to  cattle ;  and 
my  object  in  writing  this  work  is,  to  supply,  to  the  best 
of  my  ability,  a  deficiency  which  all  husbandmen  have 
had  occasion  to  lament. 

This  work  is  intended  for  men  who  are  not  expected 
to  understand  Latin ;  therefore,  I  have  deviated  from 
the  accustomed  mode  of  using  the  same,  in  all  cases 
where  it  could  be  dispensed  with ;  and  knowing  that 
most,  if  not  all  of  my  readers,  will  consult  these  pages 
more  for  practical  than  theoretical  information,  I  have 
endeavored  to  be  as  practical  as  possible,  and  have 
given  the  reader  the  benefits  of  my  past  experience  in 
as  brief  a  manner  as  the  various  subjects  can  be  pre- 
sented. 

The  great  superiority  of  the  methods  of  treatment 
offered  in  the  following  pages  is  (in  my  opinion),  to 
the  candid  mind,  self-evident,  and  must  eventually 
supercede  the  popular,  yet  false,  theory  which  teaches 
that  blood-letting  and  poisons  cure  disease.  Blood-let- 
ting and  poisons,  which  destroy  health,  can  never  be 
made  to  restore  it,  and  in  the  course  of  many  years, 
practice  I  have  established  these  propositions  in  my 
own  mind,  beyond  the  shadow  of  a  doubt.  I  now 
have  more  faith  in  the  recuperative  powers  of  nature, 
and  in  the  exhibition  of  sanative  agents,  than  in  false 
theories  of  art,  or  the  destructive  agents  so  highly  re- 
commended and  extensively  used  by  those  professing 


PREFACE.  V 

the  orthodox  veterinary  faith  ;  having  also,  strong  con- 
victions of  the  soundness  in  doctrine,  as  inculcated  by 
Dixon  ;  viz.,  ^^  Nature  is  ever  busy  by  the  silent  opera- 
tion of  her  own  forces  in  curing  disease ;  her  medicines 
are  air,  food,  water,  and  rest,"  etc.,  I  contend  that  in 
the  treatment  of  any  and  every  form  of  disease,  the 
object  should  be  to  aid  nature,  and  thus  preserve  the 
vitality  of  the  system ;  this  is  to  be  accomplished  by 
regulation  of  diet,  ventilation,  cleanliness,  good  nurs- 
ing, which  includes  proper  attention  to  the  real  neces- 
sities of  the  animal,  medicinal  agents  properly  selected 
of  well-known  sanative  qualities,  obtained  from  the 
laboratory  of  nature,  concocted  by  the  great  chemist  in 
the  forest,  and  the  field  ;  and  necessary  surgical  opera- 
tions which  have  to  be  performed  under^  the  influence 
of  sulphuric  aether. 

It  is  a  fact  well  known  and  acknowledged  by  those 
who  have  emancipated  themselves  from  the  theory  of 
the  schools,  that  the  heroic  practice  —  meddlesome 
medication  —  has  destroyed  more  animals  than  the  epi- 
zootic sword,  and  yet  many  physicians  even  in  these 
enlightened  times,  will  lull  their  consciences  into  an 
insane  belief  that  the  phlebotomizing,  and  heroic  prac- 
tice is  the  only  legitimate,  safe,  and  effectual  method 
of  eradicating  disease  ;  and  they  base  their  arguments 
on  the  untenable  ground,  that  some  animals  thus 
treated  recover ;  when  the  fact  is,  these  supposed  medi- 
cal recoveries  are  so  many  lucky  escapes  from  death, 

secundum  artem, 

1* 


Vi  PREFACE. 

The  intelligent  reader  is  probably  aware  that  some 
animals  will  survive  the  most  frightful  injuries,  and 
reckless  methods  of  practice;  hence,  if  a  poor,  sick 
brute  recovers  its  ordinary  health,  after  Laving  more 
than  one-half  of  its  blood  abstracted,  and  the  remain- 
ing portion  poisoned  by  tartar  emetic,  corrosive  subli- 
mate, arsenic,  or  antimony,  medicines  in  great  repute 
among  men  who  reverence  science  instead  of  nature,  or 
nature's  God.  The  inference  to  the  rational  mind  is, 
—  and  on  the  strength  of  logical  arguments  which  I 
might  introduce,  —  that  the  supreme  vital  powers  of 
the  system  successfully  combatted  both  the  disease  and 
the  outrageous  treatment. 

I  am  well  aware  that  such  real,  matter-of-fact  opin- 
ions conflict  with  those  of  many  well-educated,  and 
honest  physicians ;  and  it  is  a  notorious  fact,  that  the 
popular  opinion  of  the  non-medical  world,  who  obtain 
their  knowledge  of  veterinary  science  from  the  experi- 
ence and  writings  of  men  more  desirous  of  sustaining 
the  rotten  autocracy  of  science  over  nature,  rather  than 
to  establish  nature^s  autocracy,  is  somewhat  against 
me ;  yet,  as  I  have  truth,  reason,  and  experience  to  sus- 
tain me,  I  fear  not  the  consequences  of  an  impartial 
investigation. 

The  remedies  recommended  in  the  following  pages, 
for  the  treatment  of  bovine  afflictions,  are  selected  in 
consequence  of  their  well-known  sanative  effects ;  they 
are  calculated  to  favor  vital  action,  and  remove  ordi- 
nary obstructions  wherever  they  exist ;  and  if  the  reader 


PREFACE.  vii 

comes  to  the  honest  conclusion  that  I  have  recom- 
mended any  agent  in  the  treatment  of  disease,  which 
is  known,  or  shall  ultimately  prove,  inimical  to  the 
physiological  action  of  any  function  or  organ  of  the 
animated  creature,  then  ihe  fault  is  on  my  side,  yet  is 
purely  accidental,  in  consequence  of  my  lack  of  expe- 
rience in  being  able  to  select  suitable  substitutes  ;  but 
such  do  exist ;  and  so  soon  as  they  shall  be  discovered 
they  are  to  be  marshalled  in  the  list  of  physiological 
agents. 

Husbandmen  and  others,  who  shall  treat  disease 
according  to  the  principles  recommended  in  the  follow- 
ing pages,  will  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that, 
if  their  patients  die,  their  deaths  are  not  occasioned  by 
a  medicinal  disease  ;  and  as  the  remedies  are  of  a  san- 
ative character,  a  slight  mistake  in  either  quantity  or 
kind  will  not  prove  injurious,  unless  it  be  recklessly 
administered. 

There  is  nothing  good  in  medicine,  except  that 
which  is  congenial  to  nature,  or  acts  in  harmony  with 
the  laws  of  life ;  and  the  same  proposition  is  proverbi- 
ally and  experimentally  true,  both  as  regards  food  and 
fluids ;  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  are  of  any  value, 
unless  they  contain  elements  of  nutrition. 

In  the  early  history  of  medical  science,  or  rather  at 
the  period  when  Hippocrates  flourished,  simple  and 
safe  medicines  were  prescribed,  and. the  wonderful  suc- 
cess which  attended  his  mode  of  treatment,  was  due 
to  the  fact  that  he  was  skilled  in  the  use  of  medicines 


via  PREFACE. 

furnished  by  nature.  This  was  the  man  who  rescued 
Athens  from  the  most  dreadful  scourge  that  ever  af- 
flicted the  human  race.  But  so  soon  as  the  science  of 
medicine  was  rendered  technical,  and  also,  incompre- 
hensible by  false  theories  and  chemical  speculations ; 
then  simple  remedies  were  replaced  by  agents  prepared 
in  the  chemist's  laboratory,  many  of  which  are  known 
to  be  highly  injurious  and  poisonous ;  and  others  no 
less  noxious,  were  obtained  from  the  vegetable  world ; 
these  are  the  "  heroic  "  medicines,  —  "  They  deserve  a 
considerable  share  of  the  praise  of  the  Ccesars  and 
Alexanders  of  the  world ;  powerful  to  destroy^  heroic  in 
bloody  havoc,  and  desolations^ 

But  the  days  of  heroic  medicine,  so  far  as  it  applies 
to  the  United  States,  are  numbered.  Intelligent  men  of 
the  right  stamp,  are  now  engaged  in  testing  the  merits 
of  the  new  system  of  practice  recommended  in  the 
^'  Modern  Horse  Doctor,^'*  and  in  this  work ;  and  it  is 
gratifying  to  the  author  to  know  that  his  work  on  the 
horse  has  had  a  large  circulation  among  the  lovers 
of  fine  animals ;  and  this  work  is  now  offered  in  the 
hope,  that  it  may  do  good  and  advance  the  cause  of 
medical  reform. 

George  H.  Dadd. 

Boston,  1859. 


CONTENTS. 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Bespiration. 

Page. 

Croup, 15 

Description  of  the  Larynx, 16 

Larynj^itis, 17 

Bronchitis, 18 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs, 19 

Description  of  the  Lijngs,  Function,  etc, 24 

Catarrh,  or  Hooze, 25 

Epizootic  Catarrh, 28 

Consumption, 29 

Pharyngitis,  or  Sore  Throat, 31 

Description  of  the  Pharynx, 32 

Pulmonary  Apoplexy, 33 

Pleurisy  and  Description  of  the  Pleura,         .        .        .        '34 

Pleuro-Pneumonia, 36 

Epizootic  Pleuro-Pneumonia, 37 

Inoculation  for  Pleuro-Pneumonia,    ......  43 

Pneumatosis,  or  Windy  Distention, 55 

The  Gaseous  Fluids  of  the  living  animal  body,         .        .        .46 

Murrain, 56 

Essay  on  Ventilation, 65 

Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs. 

Description  of  the  (Esophagus,  .        .        .        t        .        77 

Foreign  Bodies  in  the  Gullet, 78 

CEsophagotomy,      .         ,        - 79 

Laceration  of  the  (Esophagus, 80 

Apthae,  .         . 85 

Description  of  the  Stomach, .     86 

Rumination,  or  Remastioation,        .*.,..        88 

Sensible  Phenomena  of  Rumination, 91 

Bloat,  or  Tympanites, 100 

Distentionof  the  Rumen  with  Food, 103 

Gastro-Intestinal  Inflammation,     .....'..        104 

Suspended^Rumination, 112 

Inflammation  of  the  Bowels, 115 

Invagination  of  the  Intestines, 116 

Diarrhoea, 118 

Chronic  Diarrhoea, .119 

Gut-Tie, 119 

On  the  Internal  Ruptures  of  Oxen,        .        .        .        .        .     124 

ix 


CONTENTS. 

Paj?e. 

Flatulent  Colic,    .        •        .        .        .        .        .        .        .  125 

Spasm  of  the  Bowels, 126 

Constipation  of  the  Bowels, 127 

The  Pancreas  and  its  Function, 128 

Description  of  the  Spleen,     .        >        ,        .        .        .        .  129 

On  Diet, 130 

Variety  of  Food  necessary,            130 

Effects  of  various  kinds  of  Food,       / 135 

As  regards  the  quantity  of  Food  required,     ....  137 

Animals  intended  for  fast  work  must  not  accumulate  fat,          .  138 

As  regards  changes  in  Diet,           .        .        .        .        ,        .  142 

On  the  Principles  of  Breeding. 

In-andin  Breeding, 150 

The  objects  of  In-and-in  Breeding, 155 

Animals  become  parents  too  early, 156 

Objections  to  In-and-in  Breeding  answered,   .        .         .         .159 
The  advantages  of  In-and-in  Breeding,        .        .        .        .        160 

Parturition,  or  Iiabor. 

Signs  of  Labor  or  Parturition, 1 60 

161 
161 
162 
162 
163 
165 
166 
168 
169 


Natural  and  Unnatural  Labor, 

Fore  Legs  Presenting, 

One  Fore  Leg  Presenting,  .... 

Head  Presenting  without  the  Legs, 

Extraction  of  a  Calf  on  its  back,  hind  legs  presenting. 

Breech  Presentation, 

Cleansing  or  Removal  of  the  Afterbirth, 

Back  of  the  Calf  presenting  at  the  Brim  of  the  Pelvis, 

Uterine  Hemorrhage,  or  Flooding, 

Birth  of  Twins  and  Triplets,  169 

Diseases  of  the  Generative  Organs. 

Constriction  at  the  Neck  of  the  Uterus,  .        .        .        .171 

Embryotomy, 172 

Treatment  of  Cows  during  Pregnancy, 173 

Symptoms  of  Pregnancy, 175 

Dropsy  of  the  Womb,      .        .         .         .         .         .         .         .175 

Puerperal  Fever, 176 

Puerperal  Fever  mistaken  for  Horn- Ail,  .         .         .        .183 

Inversion  of  the  Uterus, 185 

Mammitis,  or  Garget, 189 

Inflamed  Udder, 189 

Stricture  in  Cows'  Teats  —  Obstruction  at  the  end  of  the  Teats 

—  Obstruction  in   the   Teats, 191 

Tumors  within  the  Teats  —  Injured  Teats — Sore  Teats,     .        192 
Chapped  Teats  and  Chafed  Udder — Inversion  of  the  Vagina,  .     193 

Laceration   of  the  Vagina, 194 

Rupture  of  the  Uterus, 195 

Abortion  in  Cows, -  .         .         .         195 

Inflammatory  Aflfection  of  the  Hind  Limbs  after  Calving,        .    201 


CONTENTS.  XI 

Diseases  of  the  Urinaory  Organs. 

Page. 

Description  of  the  Urinary  System, 202 

The  Uterus  and  Bladder, .  203 

Urethra, 204 

Haematuria, 204 

Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys, 206 

Urinary  Calculi, 207 

Calculi*  in  the  Bladder, 208 

Black  Water, 209 

Bed  Water, 210 

The  Heart— Its  Function  and  Diseases. 

Description  of  the  Heart, 21^ 

The  Heart's  Function, 217 

Dilatation  of  the  Heart, 218 

Pericarditis, 219     . 

Hypertrophy  of  the  Heart, 225 

Endocarditis, .  226 

Diseases  of  the  Eye  and  its  Membranes. 

Description  of  the  Eye, 227 

Muscles  of  the  Eyelids,  230 

Glass  Eye,  or  gutta  serena, 233 

Ophthalmia, 235 

Foreign  Bodies  in  the  Eye, 235 

Specific  or  Periodical  Ophthalmia,  .        .        .        .        .  2'!6 

Cancer, 236 

Kuptures. 

Forms  of  Rupture, 239 

Inguinal  Strangulated,  and  Ventral  Hernia,  or  Rupture,      .  240 

,     _  Diseases  of  the  Bones. 

Bone  Disorder, 244 

Mechanism  and  Structure  of  Bones,  ....  249 

Dilatation  of  the  Jaw  Bones, 250 

Abscess  beneath  the  Periosteum  at  the  Angle  of  the  Jaw,  .  253 
Exostosis  or  Deposit  of  Calcareous  Matter  on  the  Surface  of 

Bones, ,  254 

On  Sympathy  and  the  Sympathetic  Relations  which  exist 

in  the  Animal  Economy,  —  Definition  of  Sympathy,    .  255 

Horn-Ail, 259 

Tail-Ail, .268 

Bhumatism  Acute  and  Chronic. 

Acute  Rheumatism, .  272 

Chronic   Rheumatism, 276 

Causes  of  Rheumatism, 277 

Treatment  of  Chronic  Rheumatism,,  ....  279 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

The  Ijiver  and  its  Diseases. 

Page. 

Description  of  the  Liver,         .......  280 

Secretion  of  Bile,  its  uses,  etc., 281 

Inflammation  of  the  Liver, .  282 

Hydatids,      .         .         .         .         • 283 

Jaundice  or  Yellows,        .        .        . 290 

Diseases  of  the  Brain. 

Inflammation  of  the  Brain  and  its  Membranes,    .         .        .  293 

Sturdy,  or  Cerebral  Parasites, 294 

Shaking  Palsy, 297 

Hydrophobia,            298 

Diseases  of  the  Skin. 

Mange, 301 

Poul  in  the  Foot, _  .        .        .        .302 

Warts, 302 

Gadflies, 304 

Yoke  Galls, .305 

The  Hair  of  Cattle  is  an  Epidermic  appendage,       .        .        .  306 

Pemphigus,  or  Vesicular  Eruption,      .        .        .        .        .  307 

Generalities. 

Dutch  Cattle,  their  Introduction  into  Massachusetts,  Valu- 
able Qualities,  etc., 311 

Castration,             314 

Enzootic  Milk-Sickness,  or  Trembles, 318 

Watering  Cattle  and  Farm  Horses, 326 

Cracks  in  the  Heels  of  Cattle,         .         .         .         .        .        .329 

Parasites  around  and  withm  the  Globe  of  the  Eye,     .        .  •  330 

Improved   Method  of  Milking, 331 

Diseased  Thymus  Gland, .  332 

Cords  in  Young  Calves,    ........  334 

Steamed  and  Cooked  Food  for  Stock, 335 

Cheap  Fodder  for  Cows, 338 

Chinese  Sugar-Cane  as  Food  for  Stock,         ....  339 

The  Value  of  Natural  Food  in  contrast  with  Artifical  Food,    .  340 

Black  Leg, 341 

Black  Tongue, .        .         .         .347 

Organic  Composition  of  the  Body,        .        .        •        .        .  349 

Fractured  Bones, .        .         .351 

Light  in  Barns, 353 

Diarrhoea  in  Calves, 354 

Sprains  or  Strains, 355 

Farcy, 356 

Splenic  Apoplexy, 357 

Bronchocele,     .       " 359 

Analysis  of  Cows'  Milk,       .         .         .         .         .         .         .  361 

Analysis  of  Woman's  Milk, 362 

The  Efi'ects  of  Impure  Milk 362 

The  Composition  of  Milk  at  Various  Times  of  the  Day,          .  364 


CONTENTS.  Xii 

Page. 
On  Milk  which  does  not  Yield  Butter, — and  the  Remedy,    .        364 

Spaying  Cows, .366 

Hair  Balls, 375 

EiFects  of  Salt  on  Animals, 376 

Fluid   Extracts  of  Medicinal  Preparations  useful  in   Cattle 

Practice, 379 

Remarks  on  Clysters,       .        .        .        .        ,        .         .        .381 

Formula  of  Clysters, 381 

Miscellaneous  Recipes, 385 

Explanations  of  Illustrations, 391 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Instruments  used  in  Cattle  Practice  faces  the  Title  Page 

Section  of  a  Cow's  Stomach,   . 

Representation  of  a  Cow's  Stomach,     . 

Intestines  of  a  Cow,         .... 

Series  of  Cuts  showing  the  process  of  dentition,  and  the  age  of 

Cattle,  by  their  teeth, 

Mode  of  operating  on  a  Bullock  for  Gut-Tie, 
Inversion  of  the  Uterus,         .... 
A  View  of  the  Mechanism  of  the  Heart, 
Cut  of  Diseased  Bones,         .         .         . 
A  Section  of  the  Scull  and  Horn,     . 
A  yiew  of  the  Superficial  Muscles, 
Cut  of  the  celebrated  Bull,  "  Dutchman," 
The  Cow,  "Purmer,"  .         .         .        . 
The  Mammoth  Cow,  "  Lady  Washington," 

2 


78 

87 

105 

108 
123 
184 
214 
245 
258 
271 
310 
315 
312 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  ORGANS  OF  RESPIRATION. 

CROUP. 

This  disease  is  generally  supposed  to  occur  among  young 
animals,  but  Claude  relates  a  case  of  false  membranes  in  a  nine 
years  old  ox ;  young  calves  are  frequently  attacked  with 
"  laryngitis,^^  and  very  many  die  from  obstruction  in  the  air- 
passages  ;  these,  after  death,  are  found  to  be  occupied  by  semi- 
organized  lymph  ;  such  cases  are  known  to  veterinary^^nrgeons 
as  membraneous  croup,  and  in  the  latter  stages  of  the  disease  the 
false  membranes  are  found  to  occupy  the  intestinal  canal,  as 
well  as  the  air  passages. 

Symptoms  of  Croup.  —  The  animal  is  observed  to  be  in  im- 
minent danger  of  suffocation :  there  is  some  discharge  of  mor- 
,  bid  matter  from  the  nostrils ;  yet  it  is  evident  that  the  respira- 
tory passages  are  fast  filling  up  with  the  morbid  secretion.  The 
only  chance  of  saving  the  animal  is  to  perform  the  operation 
of  tracheotomy;  but  this  operation,  in  order  to  be  successful,, 
must  be  performed  in  the  early  stage  of  the  disease,  or  when 
false  membranes  are  confined  above  the  point  selected  for  the 
operation ;  for,  when  the  obstruction  exists  at  or  about  the  lower 
end  of  the  trachae,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  bronchial  tubes,  the 
case  is  hopeless.  The  only  medicine  of  any  value,  in  the  early 
stage  of  this  affection,  is  :  — 

Glycerine, 2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  Lobelia, 2  drachms. 

A  second  dose  may  be  given  at  an  interval  of  two  hours.    If 


16  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

the  patient  does  not  improve,  and  the  danger  appears  imminent, 
tracheotomy  should  be  performed. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  LARYNX. 

The  larynx  is  seated  at  the  upper  part  of  the  windpipe,  to 
which  it  is  joined ;  it  occupies  that  part  known  as  the  throat,  be- 
tween the  broadest  part  of  the  angles  of  the  jaw.  It  is  com- 
posed of  several  cartilages,  which  are  under  the  control  of  the 
laryngial  muscles.  These  cartilages  are  so  contrived  as  to  be 
movable  on  each  other,  in  various  directions. 

The  j^r5^  cartilage  is  named  thyroid,  or  shieldlike.  It  forms 
the  most  extensive  part  of  the  larynx,  and  protects  the  other 
parts  from  external  injury. 

The  second  cartilage  is  named  cricoid,  or  ring-like  cartilage. 
It  overlaps  the  first  ring  of  the  trachea  or  windpipe,  in  the 
form  of  a  helmet. 

Thirdly,  there  are  two  ewer-shaped  cartilages,  termed  ary- 
tenoid ;  they  are  found  on  the  upper  and  back  part  of  the 
trachea.     They  form  a  canal  which  leads  to  the  glottis. 

The  fourth  cartilage  is  named  epiglottis,  in  consequence  of 
being  situated  upon  and  over  the  glottis  ;  it  is  the  door-keeper 
of  the  larnyx,  and  every  particle  of  food,  or  drop  of  water, 
which  the  animal  swallows  must  pass  over  it ;  if  it  fail  to  per- 
form its  function,  for  a  single  moment,  when  the  animal  is 
either  drinking  or  eating,  death  is  sure  to  follow.  But  the  ox 
is  rather  more  favored,  in  the  mechanism  of  the  epiglottis,  than 
the  horse.  The  epiglottis  of  the  horse  is  just  adapted  to  the 
calibre  of  the  glottis,  he  being  a  non-ruminant ;  but  in  the  case 
of  the  ox,  the  rough,  unmasticated  particles  of  food  have  to  be 
returned  to  the  mouth  for  a  second  mastication ;  this  would  peril 
the  life  of  the  animal  if  he  had  no  other  protection  than  that 
found  in  the  larynx  of  horses.  The  fact  is,  the  epiglottis  of 
cattle  ;  instead  of  being  confined  to  the  calibre  of  the  rim  of  the 
of  the  glottis,  overlaps  it ;  and  this  securely  protects  the  parts 
from  the  accidents  which  may  occur  in  the  process  of  remasti- 
cation. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  17 

The  larynx  is  lined  by  a  membrane  very  susceptible  to  irri- 
tation ;  it  is  abundantly  supplied  with  excretory  glands  and 
orifices,  for  the  emission  of  a  secretion,  peculiar  to  itself. 

LARYNGITIS. 

This  disease  often  commences  as  an  ordinary  cold,  but  soon 
the  throat  becomes  husky,  followed  by  prolonged  sonorous  res- 
piration ;  the  respiration  soon  becomes  quickened,  and  finally 
the  patient  may  die  of  suffocation. 

Laryngitis  consists  of  an  inflammatory  affection  of  the  sub- 
mucous cellular  membrane  of  the  larynx,  often  ending  in  cedema, 
or  effusion  into  the  membrane ;  in  such  cases  it  is  called  cedema- 
tons  laryngitis.  This  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  of  all  dis- 
eases, for  after  oedema  has  once  set  in,  the  animal  is  liable  to 
die  of  asphyxia  (loss  of  pulse),  at  any  moment. 

Symptoms  of  Laryngitis.  —  Commencing,  as  it  often  does, 
as  an  ordinary  cold  or  sore  throat,  it  has  some  symptoms  in 
coriamon  with  the  latter.  The  animal  protrudes  the  nose,  so  that 
the  head,  instead  of  being  pendulous,  is  thrust  forward ;  the 
animal  very  rarely  turns  its  head  sideways.  The  region  of 
the  throat  is  usually  tumefied  and  tender,  and  pressure  on  the 
larynx  occasions  great  distress.  These  symptoms,  associated 
with  the  alarming  character  of  the  breathing,  and  livid  appear- 
ance of  the  visible  surfaces,  will  enable  any  one  to  determine 
the  true  nature  of  the  disease. 

Treatment.  —  The  first  object  is  to  endeavor  to  prevent  effu- 
sion ;  in  this  view  I  recommend  that  the  patient  be  carefully 
drenched  with  the  following  :  — 

Nitrate  of  Potassa, 1  ounce. 

Water, 6  ounces. 

Fluid  extract  of  Lobelia, 1  drachm.    Mix. 

At  the  end  of  three  hours  repeat  the  dose.  In  the  mean  time 
bathe  the  jaws  and  throat  with  a  strong  infusion  of  lobelia ; 
then  apply  a  cold  water  bandage  around  the  jaws  and  throat. 
The  body  and  limbs  should  be  well  rubbed  with  a  wisp  of 
straw,  so  as  to  keep  up  an  active  circulation  on  the  surface  of 
the  body.  An  enema,  composed  of  salt  and  water,  may  be 
2* 


18  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

thrown  into  the  rectum.  Should  the  symptoms  become  more 
alarming,  the  services  of  a  veterinary  surgeon  will  be  required, 
to  perform  the  operation  of  tracheotomy :  which  consists  in 
taking  a  circular  piece  of  cartilage  out  of  the  trachea,  and  in- 
serting therein  a  common  tracheotomy  tube.  If  the  disease  be 
confined  to  the  parts  above  the  seat  selected  as  the  place  of 
operation,  the  animal  may  yet  be  saved.  When  the  disease 
passes  into  the  chronic  stage,  we  have  a  purulent  discharge 
from  the  nostrils.  This  discharge  may  be  accelerated  by  giv- 
ing a  few  doses  of  the  following : 

Tincture  of  Matico, 2  ounces. 

Syrup  of  Garlic, 8  ounces. 

Sweet  Spirits  of  Nitre, 2  ounces.    Mix. 

Dose  —  Two  ounces,  morning  and  evening. 

The  throat  should  be  rubbed  occasionally  with  a  small  quan- 
tity of  tincture  of  bloodroot  or  vinegar.  It  often  happens  that 
chronic  laryngitis  ends  in  thickening,  or  altered  structure,  of 
parts  within  and  around  the  larynx ;  should  this  be  the  case, 
the  patient  must  be  put  on  a  course  of  iodine  ;  twenty  grains 
per  day  of  iodide  of  potassium  may  be  given,  in  a  small 
quantity  of  water,  and  the  region  of  the  throat  should  be 
anointed  every  night  with  the  following  ointment :  — 

Powdered  Iodide  of  Potassium, 2  drachms. 

Simple  ointment, 2  ounces.      Mix. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Bronchitis  is  a  disease  of  the  bronchial  mucous  membrane  ; 
in  its  early  stage  the  term  acute  has  been  applied  to  it,  this 
having  subsided  it  assumes  a  chronic  type.  It  is  very  rare 
that  this  is  a  primary  affection,  for  it  is  generally  preceded  by 
cough  or  catarrh,  or  else  is  an  accompaniment  of  an  abnor- 
mal condition  of  contiguous  tissues.  Its  existence  may  be 
demonstrated  very  readily  by  applying  the  ear  to  the  trachea 
in  the  region  of  the  point  of  the  breast  bone,  the  peculiar  sound 
differing  from  that  in  any  other  part  of  the  trachea,  having  what 
is  termed  a  sibilantf  or  whistling  sound.     The  treatment  will 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  19 

be  about  the  same  as  that  recommended  for  common  catarrh, 
wit*"  the  addition  of  a  counter  irritant  to  the  sides  of  the  chest, 
a  little  mustard  and  vinegar  will  answer  the  purpose.  A  bron- 
chial difficulty  of  a  very  alarming  character,  sometimes  pre- 
vails as  an  epizootic,  and  this  must  be  treated  the  same  as 
epizootic  catarrh. 

Description  of  the  hronchial  tubes.  —  The  bronchial  tubes 
are  a  continuation  of  the  trachea,  it  having  entered  the  thorax, 
becomes  forked  or  bifurcated ;  they  are  constituted  of  several 
pieces,  making  up  so  many  segments  of  the  circle,  overlapping 
each  other  so  as  to  admit  of  extension  and  contraction  in  the 
respiratory  acts  ;  these  are  connected  together  and  invested  by 
an  elastic  cellular  substance,  which  imparts  to  them  both 
strength  and  elasticity.  A  further  subdivision  of  the  bronchial 
tubes  takes  place  as  they  penetrate  the  substance  of  the  lungs, 
so  that  they  become  very  numerous ;  as  they  proceed  onwards 
their  calibre  continually  grows  less,  until  they  end  in  the  ex- 
treme ramifications  known  as  air  cells.  The  bronchial  tubes 
are  lined  by  a  membrane  common  to  the  trachea. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

Inflammation  of  the  lungs,  known  also  as  pneumonia,  is 
not  usually  so  prevalent  among  the  bovine,  as  it  proves  to  be 
in  the  equine  species,  excepting,  however,  milch  cows  located 
in  unventilated  milking  establishments.   • 

In  such  locations  diseases  of  the  lungs  are  often  fearfully 
prevalent,  raging  at  times  as  an  enzootic  affection,  which  gen- 
erally proves  fatal  when  a  large  number  of  a;nimals  are  con- 
fined in  a  small  space. 

Among  horses  this  disease  is  often  occasioned  by  laborious 
work  and  feats  of  speed,  which  produce  rapid  and  sometimes 
distressing  respiration.  But  among  cattle,  whose  powers  of 
speed  and  endurance  are  pot  often  put  to  the  test,  we  may  rea- 
sonably infer  that  the  exciting  causes  vary  in  their  general 
character, 

The    stimulating  and  n^orbi^  action   of  an  impure  almos- 


20  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

phere,  may  produce  this  disease,  by  first  creating  irritation  on 
the  lining  membrane  of  the  respiratory  passages.  It  has  also 
been  noticed  that  this  disease  frequently  appears  among  cattle 
that  have  been  driven  a  long  distance  in  tempestuous  weather, 
and  have  also  been  compelled  to  go  hungry  and  thirsty  for 
many  hours.  Fortunately  for  the  po(Jr  brute  this  disease  is 
not  so  painful  as  bronchitis,  pleurisy,  and  laryngitis ;  and  after 
having  passed  through  the  acute  stage,  it  assumes  a  sort  of 
mild,  sub-acute,  or  chronic  type,  which  apparently  appears 
less  dangerous  than  the  acute  kind,. yet  after  all,  is  more  so, 
as  it  is  apt  to  terminate  in  altered  structure,  hepatization, 
induration  and  tubercles. 

Pneumonia,  now  and  then,  terminates  by  metastasis,  that  is, 
by  translation  of  the  formidable  lung  difficulty  to  one  equally 
formidable,  which  locates  in  the  feet,  known  to  veterinarians  as 
laminitis  —  fever  in  the  feet.  Among  cattle,  however,  this 
termination  is  rather  rare,  yet  very  frequent  among  horses. 
When  the  disease  does  not  take  this  course  it  often  ends  in 
"  resolution,"  which  signifies  a  return  to  health  without  leaving 
any  perceivable  evidence  of  altered  structure ;  so  that  after 
awhile,  the  animal  may  become  sound  as  ever. 

Pneumonia  is  divided  into  several  forms  or  stages,  but  as 
they  all  have  reference  to  its  degree  or  intensity,  it  seems  un- 
necessary to  refer  to  them ;  it  may,  however,  be  proper  to 
inform  the  reader  that  pneumonia  may  exist,  either  as  a  state 
of  congestion,  or  of  inflammation.  Congestion  signifies  a  dis- 
tended or  plethoric  state  of  the  blood-vessels  of  the  parenchyma 
of  the  lungs,  and  slow  motion  of  blood.  Congestive  pneumo- 
nia sometimes  sets  in  as  suddenly  as  that  which  is  termed 
"  inflammatory^'  and  among  cattle  the  former  is  most  prev- 
alent. 

In  the  congestive  stage  the  symptoms  are  those  of  embarrass- 
ment, the  blood  courses  through  its  channels  sluggishly,  and 
there  is  not  the  activity  of  heart  and  lungs  which  is  perceivable 
in  pneumonia. 

Symptoms  of  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs.  —  The  symptoms 
in  the  early  stage  are  such  as   are  generally  observed  at   the 


THE   DISEASES    OP   CATTLE.  21 

commencement  of  any  inflammatory  affection ;  viz.,  coldness 
of  extremities,  and  shivering  fits ;  loss  of  appetite,  labored 
respiration,  quick  pulse,  slight  cough,  mouth  hot  and  clammy. 
The  animal  will  not  lie  down,  and  refuses  to  move  ;  the  head 
is  extended,  perhaps  drooping,  and  the  fore  legs  stand  wide 
apart.  As  the  disease  progresses  these  symptoms  vary,  and 
the  appearance  of  the  membrane  of  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes 
vary  also,  from  the  color  of  bright  scarlet  to  that  of  a  leaden 
hue.  In  the  congestive  stage,  the  pulse  is  more  voluminous, 
yet  less  active,  and  the  visible  surfaces  are  highly  congested. 
A  cough,  slight  or  active,  as  the  case  may  be,  is  usually  no- 
ticed ;  it  is  a  sort  of  deep-seated,  half-suppressed  cough,  and 
sometimes  is  the  first  symptom  which  attracts  the  owner's  at- 
tention to  the  ailing  animal.   - 

Treatment  of  Pneumonia.  —  I  have  little  faith  in  the  heroic 
remedies,  so  highly  recommended  by  Youatt,  and  others,  and 
even  by  myself  only  a  few  years  ago.  I  now  have  more  faith 
in  nature,  and  in  regimenal  means,  and  find  that  more  cases 
are  cured  in  this  way  than  by  the  old  method. 

^  It  is  very  important,  at  the  commencement  of  the  treatment, 
that  the  patient  shall  be  placed  in  a  clean,  comfortable  loca- 
tion where  pure  air  abounds ;  for,  under  such  circumstances 
the  conditions  favorable  to  the  operation  of  nature  in  the  cure 
of  the  malady,  are  secured. 

'  Should  the  animal  labor  under  accelerated  respiration  and 
full,  strong  pulse,  I  should  administer  one  ounce  of  powdered 
nitre  in  a  quart  of  cold  water ;  after  which,  four  ounces  of  the 
liquor  acetate  of  ammonia,  may  be  given  every  four  hours ;  this 
agent  also,  should  have  a  quart  of  cold  water  added  to  it  at 
every  dose.  The  brisket  and  sides  may  be  rubbed  with  a 
portion  of  the  following: — 

Powdered  Mustard,  f     Enough  of  each  to 

Strong  Vinegar.  (     form  a  thin  paste. 

When  mixed,  a  small  quantity  of  oil  of  cedar  may  be  added. 
This  application  should  be  repeated  two  or  three  times  in  the 
course  of  twenty-four  hours. 

Nauseants  are  next  administered  in  view  of  relaxing  cap- 


22  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

illary  and  muscular  constrictions,  and  this  is  desirable,  as  such 
conditions  tend  to  equalize  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and  pre- 
vent an  undue  quantity  accumulating  in  the  pulmonary  organs. 

In  cattle  practice,  and  having  a  case  of  this  character  under 
treatment,  I  prefer  to  administer  the  nauseating  remedies  by  the 
anus  ;  hence,  a  couple  of  quarts  of  infusion  of  lobelia,  may  occa- 
sionally be  thrown  into  the  rectum.  Considerable  of  the  active 
principle  of  lobelia  will  be  absorbed  within  this  gut,  and,  under 
the  circumstances,  it  is  much  better  to  introduce  the  medicine 
into  the  system  in  this  way  than  by  the  stomach.  The  propor- 
tions of  the  lobelia  to  the  water  are,  — lobelia  (herb)  two  ounces ; 
boiling  water,  two  quarts ;  when  cool,  strain,  and  it  is  fit  for  use. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  give  a  dose  of  medicine ;  if  so,  I 
should  use  the  following: — 

Glauber  Salts, 12  ounces. 

Ginger, .- 1  drachm. 

Warm  Water, 1  quart. 

It  should  be  known  to  all  husbandmen  that  a  disease  of  this 
character,  located  in  such  important  organs  as  those  of  respira- 
tion, is  very  prostrating,  and  operates  very  unfavorably  on  the 
inherent  vitality  of  parts.  Hence,  so  soon  as  the  activity  of 
the  morbid  phenomena  is  somewhat  subdued,  all  active  medi- 
cation should  cease. 

The  affection  is  likely  to  continue  for  some  days,  and  all  we 
have  to  do,  is  to  try  to  keep  the  patient  alive  while  the  disease 
is  running  its  course ;  careful  nursing,  pure  air,  and  light  diet 
are  the  remedies. 

After  the  first  twenty-four  hours  I  pay  little  attention  to  the 
pulse,  but  more  to  the  patient,  for  I  can  conceive  of  but  two 
conditions  in  this  disease ;  one  I  call  acute  the  other  chronic,  the 
very  moment  the  acute  condition  subsides,  it  merges  into  the 
chronic,  and  requires  life-sustaining  agents. 

After  the  first  twenty-four  hours,  I  generally  resort  to  the 
following  medicine :  —  ^ 

Glycerine, 8  ounces. 

Powdered  Bloodroot, 4  drachms. 

"         Goldenseal, 1  ounce.    Mix 

Dose.  —  One  tablespoonful  to  be  smeared  on  the  tongue  night  and  morning. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  23 

Management  of  the  patient  while  under  treatment.  —  As  I 
have  already  intimated  a  full  supply  of  pure  air  must  be 
insured ;  for  a  practitioner  would  be  more  likely  to  save  an 
animal  in  the  open  air  (provided  the  weather  was  not  too 
cold  nor  tempestuous),  than  in  the  unventilated  cow-house. 
Should  the  limbs  at  any  time  be  cold,  they  are  to  be  hand 
rubbed  and  bandaged:  the  body  being  in  the  same  con- 
dition, must  also  be  clothed.  I  should  also  give  the  chilled 
patient  some  warm  ginger  tea  or  any  other  non-alcoholic 
stimulant  or  carminitive,  in  view  of  arousing  the  action  of  the 
heart  and  capillaries,  by  which  means  the  red  arterial  and  life- 
sustaining  blood,  would  be  forced  to  the  external  surface  and 
extremities,  imparting  to  them  a  genial  warmth,  and  thus 
insuring  an  equilibrium  of  the  circulating  fluid. 

The  patient  should  be  furnished  constantly  with  a  bucket 
of  pure  cold  water ;  when  morbid  thirst  prevails,  the  water 
must  be  "acidulated  with  either  lemon  juice,  cream  of  tartar,  or 
acetic  acid ;  any  symptoms  of  debility  or  lassitude  are  to  be 
opposed  by  a  few  doses  of  some  vegetable  tonic  ;  tincture  of 
goldenseal,  or  tincture  of  matico,  in  ounce  doses,  every  twelve 
hours,  are  the  best  remedies  that  I  am  acquainted  with. 

Finally. — My  experience  in  the  treatment  of  this  formid- 
able disease  is,  that  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  one  hundred, 
the  patient  dies  of  a  meddlesome  medicinal  disease ;  in  fact, 
he  dies  secundem  artem.  In  view  of  furnishing  a  logical  argu- 
ment to  support  this  theory,  I  refer  the  reader  to  Youatt, 
Percival,  and  others  of  the  orthodox  stamp,  —  very  learned 
men,  —  who  are  apt  to  place  too  much  confidence  in  art,  to 
the  exclusion  of  nature. 

It  is  my  opinion,  after  many  years  study  and  practice,  that 
diseases  are  not  cured  by  art,  but  art  may  so  modify  the  dis- 
eased condition  that  the  recuperative  powers  of  the  system 
can  thereby  induce  salutary  changes,  without  which  they  can- 
not, so  readily,  be  effected.  Thus  art,  when  understandingly 
applied,  may  be  said  to  aid  nature. 


24  THE   NATURE   AND    TREATMENT    OP 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

The  lungs  are  known,  in  common  parlance,  as  the  "  lights," 
they  may  be  considered  as  a  double  organ,  separated  from 
each  other  by  that  part  of  the  pleural  membrane  known  as  the 
mediastinum;  when  distended  by  air,  or  inflated,  they  occupy 
the  whole  cavity  of  the  chest,  but  the  moment  expiratory 
action  ensues  they  are  in  a  state  of  collapse,  occupying  not 
more  than  one-half  the  volume  of  the  chest.  The  lungs  are 
composed  of  arteries,  absorbents,  veins,  and  nerves,  and  rami- 
fications of  the  bronchial  tubes,  known  as  air  cells,  connected 
together  by  a  cellular  substance,  known  as  parenchyma.  A 
healthy  lung,  when  immersed  in  water,  will  float  upon  the 
surface  ;  yet  if  the  lungs  as  in  the  foetal  state,  have  never  been 
inflated,  they  sink  like  a  stone. 

FUNCTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

The  principal  function  of  the  lungs,  is  to  arterialize,  or 
decarbonize  the  blood.  This  arterialization  of  the  circulating 
fluid  is  more  essential  to  vital  integrity,  than  either  food  or  water, 
for  animals  can  live  many  days,  weeks,  and  even  months, 
without  a  particle  of  extraneous  food  —  hybernating  animals 
for  example  —  whereas,  no  creature  having  lungs,  to  expand 
and  contract,  can  be  expected  to  live  more  than  a  few  seconds 
when  deprived  of  the  "  breath  of  life." 

The  functional  acts  of  respiration  and  expiration,  must 
necessarily  be  divided  into  two  parts ;  the  acts  are  performed 
in  the  ratio  of  from  fourteen  to  twenty  times  in  a  minute,  it 
is  more  frequent  during  exercise,  and  under  many  states  of 
disease.  When  an  animal  is  located  in  a  pure  atmosphere, 
and  the  lungs  are  in  good  working  order,  all  the  impurities  of 
the  blood  are  brought  into  the  presence  of  oxygen  through  the 
medium  of  the  air  cells ;  a  change  in  the  character  and  color 
of  the  blood  is  very  soon  effected  which  I  shall  notice.  In  the 
first  place  the  venous  blood  as  it  appeared  before  aeration,  was 
of  a  dark  purple  approaching  a  black  color ;  by  union  with 
oxygen  respired,  it  has  changed  its  color  for  one  of  scarlet, 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  '  25 

it  has  parted  with  carbonic  acid  gas  and  vapor  and  has 
absorbed  a  sufficient  quantity  of  oxygen,  to  vitalize  it  and 
rendered  it  fit  for  the  renovation  of  tissues.  It  appears 
that  carbon  exists  in  venous  blood,  the  lun^  are  the  pulmonary 
furnaces ;  the  air  cells  are  flues  or  safety  valves,  one  set  are 
permeable  to  oxygen,  others  prevent  the  escape  of  carbonic 
acid  gas.  Pulmonary  combustion,  therefore  beai*s  some  analogy 
to  the  combustion  of  carbon,  or  charcoal,  in  a  common  stove. 

CATARRH   OR  "HOOSE." 

Cattle  as  well  as  horses  are  subject  to  a  catarrhal  affection, 
known  among  English  farmers  as  "  hoose ; "  it  consists  of  a 
defluxion  from  the  nasal  cavities,  acompanied  with  cough,  loss 
of  appetite  and  flesh ;  in  popular  language  it  is  nothing  more 
than  a  common  cold,  induced  by  the  ordinary  causes,  such  as 
exposure,  errors  in  diet,  and  management.  It  generally 
appears  in  the  season  of  spring,  or  towards  the  latter  part  of 
autumn,  when  the  temperature  of  the  atmosphere  undergoes 
the  most  sudden  changes,  and  it  generally  selects  its  subjects  ; 
for  many  animals  subjected  to  the  ordinary  causes  of  cold,  enjoy 
immunity  from  the  same  ;  hence,  I  infer  that  a  predisposition 
to  this  affection  is  hereditary,  and  manifests  itself  at  periodical 
intervals,  without  the  intervention  of  the  common  exciting 
causes,  although  they  may  prove  operative  in  developing  a 
latent  disease. 

I  conceive  that  it  sometimes  has  an  hereditary  origin  from 
the  fact  that  some  breeds  are  more  subject  to  it  than  others,  in 
some  cases,  however,  this  hereditariness  exists  only  so  far  as 
the  animal  is  of  a  peculiar  temperament,  so  that  when  removed 
from  a  warm  to  a  colder  region,  it  is  apt  to  contract  catarrh, 
This  is  the  case  with  many  of  the  Alderney  breed  of  cows 
imported  into  the  northern  region  of  the  United  States ;  ere  they 
have  been  here  long,  they  have  an  attack  of  catarrh,  which 
often  runs  into  the  chronic  stage  and  ends  in  consumption. 

Symptoms  of  Catarrh.  —  The  first  symptom  which  the 
farmer  will  observe,  is  loss  of  appetite ;  succeeding  this  are 
3 


26  THE  NATURE  AXD  TREATMENT  OF 

febrile  symptoms,  such  as  quick  pulse  and  respirations,  heaving 
at  the  flanks,  diy  muzzle,  glairy  discharge  from  the  nostrils ; 
reddening  of  the  visible  surfaces;  the  limbs  are  generally  colder 
than  usual,  the  hair  loses  its  glossiness  and  appears  roughened ; 
the  animal  will  occasionally  snort  and  discharge  more  or  less  of 
glairy  mucus,  and  some  soreness  of  throat  may  be  observed. 
Such  are  the  early  and  most  noticeable  symptoms  of  this 
disease,  and  this  is  the  most  proper  period  for  the  animal  to  re- 
ceive attention,  in  order  to  prevent  the  malady  running  into  the 
chronic  form ;  for  should  it  do  so,  ten  chances  to  one  if  the 
case  is  not  called  "horn-ail,"  and  thus  the  poor  animal  has 
to  submit  to  a  routine  of  barbarisms,  such  as  boring  horns, 
letting  daylight,  pepper,  and  turpentine  into  the  frontal  sinusses 
—  much  to  the  annoyance  of  a  sick  brute,  and  very  significant 
of  the  ignorance  of  the  itinerant  cattle  slayer. 

Treatment  of  Catarrh.  —  The  treatment  depends  somewhat 
on  the  condition  of  the  patient,  as  regards  the  preponderance  of 
fever  or  debility.  A  high-fed  animal  abounding  in  morbific 
material,  and  necessarily  of  a  febrile  diathesis,  must  have 
aperients :  eight  ounces  of  glauber  salts,  dissolved  in  warm 
water  and  sweetened  with  molasses,  may  without  the  least 
danger  be  administered,  followed  by  a  liberal  supply  of  warm, 
sloppy,  bran  mashes ;  and  should  the  pulse  be  voluminous  and 
excessively  active,  thirty  grains  of  powdered  nitre  may  be 
•added  to  the  above,  which  in  all  probability  will  reduce  the 
action  of  the  heart.  In  the  mean  time  we  keep  the  patient  quiet ; 
withhold  all  fat  and  muscle-making  food,  and  allow  the  patient 
to  breathe  a  pure  and  cool  atmosphere;  for  a  cool  atmosphere  is, 
perhaps,  a  better  sedative  than  nitre,  and  certainly  more 
requisite ;  and  after  the  medicine  shall  have  had  time  to 
traverse  a  portion  of  the  intestinal  surface,  say  a  lapse  of  five 
or  six  hours,  an  enema  of  glauber  salts  may  be  given,  in  the 
proportion  of  half  a  pound  to  half  a  gallon  of  water. 

In  the  early  stage,  and  having  a  plethoric  subject  under 
treatment,  it  may  by  some  persons  be  considered  necessary  to 
resort  to^the  fleam,  and  some  highly  educated  physicians  de- 
cide this  to  be  the  best  course ;  there  may  be  cases   occurring 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  27 

in  pampered  and  stable-fed  animals,  which  demand  a  prompt 
use  of  the  above  instrument ;  but  the  author  has  never  seen  a 
case  of  catarrh  which,  in  his  judgment,  demanded  the  abstrac- 
tion of  blood.  Bleed  by  the  bon-els  if  need  there  be  of  deple- 
tion :  this  is  ray  doctrine.  Catarrh,  whether  it  be  simple  or 
epidemic,  in  one  feature  resembles  influenza  occurring  among 
horses  ;  it  is  a  prostrating  disease  —  induces  debility.  How- 
ever I  have  no  desire  to  force  my  opinions  on  any  man  ;  try 
glauber  salts  and  nitre ;  should  they  fail  to  have  the  desired 
effect,  the  judicious  practitioner  has  his  remedy. 

The  bowels  having  responded  to  the  above  dose  we  have 
only  to  keep  the  patient  alive,  while  the  disease  is  running  its 
course,  and  this  is  accomplished  by  means  of  "  good  nursing." 
There  are  a  great  many  remedies  that  I  might  recommend 
in  view  of  hastening  convalescence,  but  "good  nursing"  sup- 
plants the  whole. 

A  sore  throat  may  accompany  the  malady,  and  if  so,  I  rec- 
ommend the  following :  — 

Olive   Oil, Bounces 

Oil  of  Cedar^ 1  ounce. 

Spirit  of  Ammonia, ^  ounce. 

Tincture  of  Capsicum, 1  ounce.   Mix. 

Apply  a  portion  to  the  throat  twice  daily. 

In  order  to  promote  a  discharge  from  the  nasal  outlets  I 
resort  to  vapor,  which  may  be  generated  by  dropping  water  or 
vinegar  on  a  liot  brick  ;  and  to  insure  the  full  effect  of  the 
same,  I  envelop  the  head  with  a  cloth  or  blanket,  so  as  to  di- 
rect the  current  of  vapor  through  the  nasal  passages.  In  view 
of  promoting  nasal  discharge,  a  small  quantity  of  bayberry 
bark  pulverized  may  occasionally  be  blown  up  the  nostrils  from 
a  quill  or  a  hollow  tube  of  paper.  The  after  treatment  will  de- 
pend upon  the  observable  symptoms  ;  while  a  febrile  diathesis 
continues  we  depend  on  sedatives  and  aperients.  In  the 
chronic  stage  tonics  and  alteratives,  are  indicated,  and  must  be 
resorted  to  in  view  of  warding  off  a  chronic  cough  and  its  con- 
sequences. 


28  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

EPIZOOTIC  CATARRH. 

Epizootic  catarrh  is  infectious,  yet  animals  having  once 
had  an  attack  of  the  same  may  enjoy  immunity  from  it  there- 
after. It  usually  appears  and  spreads  over  various  parts  of 
the  country,  when  great  variations  in  the  weather  are  noticed  ; 
it  generally  appears  in  the  spring,  and  disappears  when  the 
weather  becomes  warmer  and  more  uniform. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  o^  epizootic  catarrh  in  the  early 
stage  does  not  differ  materially  from  those  alluded  to  in  the 
preceding  article  (common  catarrh),  in  a  very  short  time, 
however,  the  animal  begins  to  grow  very  weak  and  becomes 
debilitated ;  tumors  form  in  various  parts  of  the  body,  emitting 
when  pressed,  a  crackling  sound  ;  the  glands  in  the  region  of 
the  throat  are  enlarged;  the  neck  stiff;  the  odor  from  the 
breath  and  faeces  is  very  offensive,  the  animal  loses  flesh  very 
fast,  and  unless  relieved  will  surely  die. 

Causes  of  Epizootic  Catarrh. —  The  direct  causes  of  this, 
like  that  of  any  other  epizootic  and  epidemic  affections,  are  in- 
volved in  obscurity ;  speculation  is  rife  as  regards  the  causes 
of  cholera  and  the  potato  rot,  which  probably  have  analagous 
origins,  but  it  is  very  difficult  if  not  impossible  at  the  present 
time,  to  define  the  precise  character  of  the  morbid  germ,  which, 
"  like  a  little  leaven,"  leavens  the  whole  loaf. 

Treatment.  —  The  principal  objects  in  the  treatment  of  this 
malady  are  to  sustain  the  vital  powers,  and  thus  guard  against 
the  subsequent  prostration  and  decomposition  which  under  the 
orthodox  treatment  is  sure  to  occur. 

The  proper  mode  of  treatment  is  as  follows.  Drench  the 
animal  with  the  following  :  — 

Tincture  of  Matico, 1  ounce. 

Hyposulphite  of  Soda, 6  drachms. 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2  drachms. 

Warm  Water, 1  pint. 

Having  administered  the  above  medicine,  anoint  the  throat 
and  all  tumefied  parts  with  a  portion  of  the  following  counter- 
irritant  :  — 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  29 

Oil  of  Cedar, 1  ounce. 

Oil  of  Sassafras, i  ounce. 

Cod  Liver  Oil, 6  ounces. 

Mix,  and  apply  by  means  of  a  small  piece  of  sponge. 

Should  the  breath  become  very  foetid,  and  the  odor  from  the 
evacuations  almost  intolerable,  as  is  often  the  case,  very  pow- 
erful antiseptics  will  be  needed,  to  arrest  the  morbid  fermen- 
tation. The  most  efficient  and  valuable  article  for  this  purpose 
is  pyroligneous  acid;  a  couple  of  ounces  of  the  same  may  be 
given  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel  every  four  hours,  until  the 
odor  is  exterminated.  The  diet  should  consist  of  welWsalted, 
scalded  shorts,  sliced  carrots  and  parsnips.  In  the  absence  of 
rumination,  give  a  drachm  of  powdered  goldenseal,  and  half  a 
irachm  of  carbonate  of  soda,  twice  in  twenty-four  hours. 

CONSUMPTION. 

This  disease,  as  it  appears  among  cattle,  is  supposed  to  be 
the  sequel  of  other  diseases  of  the  respiratory  apparatus,  and 
some  writers  contend  that  phthisis  is  the  termination  of  chronic 
disease  of  the  lungs,  characterized  by  the  formation  of  tuber- 
cles within  the  substance  of  the  lungs.  The  most  notable 
symptoms  are  emaciation,  debility,  cough,  fever,  and  purulent 
expectoration.  Expectoration,  however,  is  a  feature  of  this 
disease  more  marked  in  the  human  subject  than  among  horses 
and  cattle,  yet  in  the  last  stages  we  occasionally  observe  nasal 
discharges  of  a  purulent  character. 

In  diagnosing  this  disease,  it  is  necessary  to  make  ourselves 
acquainted  with  the  history  of  the  case,  and  the  physical  con- 
formation of  the  animal ;  for,  if  the  patient  be  the  subject  of 
neglected  catarrh,  bronchitis,  or  any  other  pulmonic  or  pleuritic 
difficulty,  we  have  the  data  for  an  intelligent  diagnosis,  pro- 
vided the  physical  conformation  of  the  animal  corresponds  to  that 
which  physiologists  regard  as  susceptible  of  phthisis  ;  viz.,  a 
lean,  lank  organization,,  associated  with  an  active,  nervous  tem- 
I)erument.  Reforring  to  Percivall  for  evidence  on  the  subject 
now  under  consideration,  I  find  that  he  considers  a  colt  having 
long  legs,  overgrowth,  narrow  chest,  flat  sides,  pot  belly,  and  an 
3* 


30  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

appearance  of  weakness  and  unthrivingness,  a  capital  subject 
for  phthisis.  A  cough  occurring  in  such  an  animal,  of  a  feeble, 
painful,  hoarse,  rattling,  or  gurgling  character,  shows  conclu- 
sively that  disorganization  of  the  lungs  has  commenced.  The 
cough  will  also  be  accompanied  by  a  sound  which  gives  us  an 
idea  that  it  is  deep-seated. 

Causes  of  Consumption.  —  Aside  from  the  well-known  direct 
hereditary  causes,  which  are  known  to  exist  in  breed,  there  are 
others,  operating  insidiously  to  produce  disease,  and  altered 
structure  in  the  lungs.  The  climate  may  be  prejudicial.  I  have 
known  this  disease  to  make  its  appearance  among  cows  unsuited 
to  our  New  England  climate  ;  the  Alderneys,  for  example.  On 
the  other  hand,  if  cows  be  removed  from  a  warm,  comfortable 
location  or  barn,  to  a  region  involving  a  material  difference  in 
temperature,  a  derangement  of  the  respiratory  system  is  very 
apt  to  occur.  It  may  appear  at  first  under  the  guise  of  a  sim- 
ple bronchial  affection,  which  insidiously  steals  on  until  the 
substance  of  the  lungs  is  affected.  Animals  shut  up  in  close 
and  hot  stables,  as  is  the  case  at  the  "  swill  milk  "  establishments 
in  New  York,  where  they  cannot  obtain  sufficient  oxygen  to 
vitalize  or  decarbonize  the  blood,  are  apt,  after  a  short  time,  to 
die  of  tuberculated  lungs,  or  perhaps  a  worse  form  of  disease, 
known  as  infectuous  pleuro-pneumonia,  soon  terminates  their 
wretched  existence.  Impure  air  is  at  all  times  operative  in  ex- 
citing pulmonary  affections  ;  the  least  deviation  from  purity  may 
occasion  very  serious  difficulties.  Therefore,  it  should  be  the  busi- 
ness of  the  farmer  to  see  that  his  cattle  have  constantly  an  abun- 
dant supply  of  pure,  uncontaminated  air  —  the  breath  of  life. 

Treatment  of  Consumption.  —  In  the  first  place  the  patient 
must  be  removed  to  a  comfortably  warm  and  well-ventilated 
barn  ;  should  the  weather  be  chilly,  a  blanket  may  be  thrown 
over  the  body,  and  it  will  be  expedient,  also,  to  clothe  the 
limbs  up  to  the  knees  and  hocks  with  strips  of  flannel ;  by  this 
means  we  promote  cutaneous  and  sub-cutaneous  circulation,  and 
every  drop  of  blood  invited  and  maintained,-at  the  surface  in 
the  extreme  vessels,  tends  to  prevent  internal  congestions. 
"Without  proper  attention  to  these  matters,  we  naight  as  foolishly 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  31 

attempt  to  raise  a  dead  cow  to  life.  Next,  the  patient,  whose 
appetite  is  ahnost  sure  to  be  impaired,  should  be  fed  on  that 
kind  of  food  which  contains  more  carbon  and  nitrogen  than 
common  hay  ;  viz.,  oatmeal.  In  case  of  a  complete  suspension 
of  rumination,  —  loss  of  cud,  —  a  due  proportion  per  diem  of 
oatmeal  gruel,  sweetened  with  some  sacharine  matter,  may  be 
administered  from  a  boitle.  Every  morning  the  patient  should 
have  four  ounces  of  the  best  cod  liver  oil ;  this  can  be  contin- 
ued until  its  action  is  made  manifest  by  purging.  Every  even- 
ing give  the  patient  a  dose  of  the  following : 

Powdered  Phosphate  of  Lime  (pure), 3  ounces. 

"        Bloodroot, 1  ounce. 

'«        Bayberry  Bark, 4  drachms. 

"        Sassafras, 2  ounces.     Mix. 

Divide  the  mixture  into  sixteen  parts. 

The  above  is,  according  to  my  experience,  the  most  rational 
method  of  treating  this  disease ;  but  the  farmer  must  not  feel 
disappointed  if  he  fails  in  arresting  it,  for  it  frequently  baffles 
the  most  consummate  skill. 

PHARYNGITIS.  —  (Sore  Throat.) 

The  term  pharyngitis^  signifies  inflammation  of  the  mem- 
brane lining  in  the  pharyngial  inlet,  or  funnel-like  entrance 
into  the  oesophagus,  or  gullet.  The  diagnostic  symptom  of 
this  affection  is  as  follows ;  the  subject  is  unable  to  swallow, 
and  thus,  the  food  taken  into  the  mouth  is  apt  to  be  returned 
by  the  nostrils.  *  On  exploring  the  inferior  region  of  the 
throat,  from  ear  to  ear,  considerable  swelling  or  tumefaction 
is  encountered ;  yet  the  pharyngial  muscles  appear  to  be  con- 
stricted. It  generally  appears  among  cattle  as  a  simple  local 
affection,  yet  it  often  accompanies  other  diseases  of  the  respira- 
tory character,  and  whenever  it  does  appear  as  a  local  maladj', 
it  is  apt  to  merge  into  something  else.  It  is  a  very  distressing 
affection,  and  the  animal  gets  but  little  relief  until  suppuration 
commences,  then  a  free  discharge  takes  place. 

*  This  happens  occasionally,  although  the  passage  of  the  nasal  inlet 
is  much  smaller  than  it  is  in  horses. 


32  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Causes  of  Pharyngitis.  —  In  some  cases  it  may  arise  in  con- 
sequence of  some  morbid  habit  of  body,  in  others  it  is  evidently 
excited  by  cold  or  chilliness  of  the  external  surface  ;  rough 
food,  such  as  cornstalks,  musty  hay,  and  other  irritating  bodies 
are  apt  to  induce  it. 

Treatment.  —  Let  the  animal's  throat  be  rubbed  twice  daily 
with  a  portion  of  the  following :  — 

Oil  of  Cedar, 1  ounce. 

Cod  LiTCT  Oil, 6  ounces. 

Spirits  of  Ammonia, 2  drachms.     Mix. 

Keep  a  sloppy  bran  mash  before  the  patient,  or  some  flax- 
seed tea,  into  which  stir  a  small  quantity  of  powdered  nitre 
and  liquorice.  This  will  relieve  the  cough,  if  any  be  present, 
and  tend  to  lessen  irritation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
pharynx.  When  the  patient  begins  to  expectorate,  or  has  the 
least  discharge  from  the  nose,  give  the  following :  — 

Balsam  of  Tolu, 2  ounces. 

Sweet  Spirits  of  Nitre, 3  ounces. 

Mucilage  of  Gum  Arabic, 8  ounces.    Mix 

Dose.  —  One    wineglassful,  twice  daily. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PHARYNX. 

The  pharynx  is  the  commencement  of  the  tube  known  as 
the  cesophagus  or  ^^ gullet ',^^  it  is  a  funnel-shaped  cavity,  lodged 
between  the  mouth,  gullet,  and  windpipe.  The  pharynx  is 
composed  of  muscular  and  membraneous  tissues;  the  most 
important  muscles  which  enter  into  the  composition  of  the 
pharynx  are  the  constrictors^  they  give  the  membrane,  forming 
the  funnel-shaped  sac,  a  complete  covering,  and  their  function 
is  to  force  the  food,  beyond  the  action  of  the  tongue,  into  the 
(esophagus.  The  pharynx  is  divided  from  the  mouth  by  the 
soft  palate  and  the  epiglottis  ;  therefore,  except  in  the  act  of 
swallowing,  or  coughing,  there  is  no  direct  communication. 
The  interior  of  the  pharynx  is  lined  by  a  membrane  having 
within  its  structure,  a  vast  number  of  minute  glands,  with  ex- 
cretory ducts,  from  which  a  viscid  or  lubricating  fluid  issues  ; 
this  lubricates  the  pellets  of  food,  so  that  by  this  process,  their 
passage  into  the  cesophagus  is  insured  without  the  casualty  of 
friction. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  33 

PULMONARY  APOPLEXY. 

This  disease  occasionally  appears  among  cattle  in  the  West- 
ern States.  It  attacks  animals  irrespective  of  age,  sex,  or 
condition.  It  is  generally  sudden  in  its  attacks,  and  death  fre- 
quently ensues  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours.  The  causes  of 
this  disease  are  involved  in  obscurity,  therefore  I  shall  not 
trouble  the  reader  with  any  'speculations  on  the  subject,  but 
proceed  to  describe  the  symptoms. 

Symptoms.  —  The  pulse  and  respirations  are  very  much  ac- 
celerated, the  former  sometimes  running  as  high  as  110,  an 
augmented  salivary  secretion  is  observed  to  run  from  the  mouth  ; 
the  tongue  is  much  swollen,  so  also  are  the  eyelids,  and  tears 
run  down  each  side  of  the  face ;  various  parts  of  the  body  are 
swollen  and  congested ;  the  stomach  is  distended  with  gas,  and 
the  evacuations  are  profuse  and  watery. 

Post  mortem  examinations  reveal  a  highly  congested  state 
of  the  lungs,  in  fact  they  are  engorged  with  blood,  and  the 
muscles  in  the  region  of  the  tumefied  parts  are  in  a  similar 
engorged  condition. 

Treatment.  —  No  time  should  be  lost  in  administering  the 
following  drench,  for  it  will  preserve  the  tissues  against  de- 
pomposition  and  perhaps  save  the  animal.     Take 

Pyroligneous  Acid, 12  fluid  drachms. 

Water, 1  pint. 

Tincture  of  Matico, 1  ounce. 

Repeat  the  dose  after  a  lapse  of  six  hours. 
The  tumefactions,  externally,  should  be  rubbed  occasionally 
with  a  portion  of  the  following :  — 

Oil  of  Cedar, 1  ounce. 

Tincture  of  Capsicum, 2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  Bayberry  Bark, 4  ounces.    Mix. 

It  appears  that  in  this  disease  there  is  a  morbid  impulse 
directed  to  various  parts,  which  results  in  local  accumulations 
rendering  the  parts  turgid;  then  the  blood  is  thrown  out  of  the 
capillary  vessels,  and  sometimes  they  suffer  a  rupture,  which 
accounts  for  the  engorgement  and  extravasation. 

As  there  is  generally  some  effusion  present  in  this  malady 


34  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

some  good  may  be  accomplished  in  acting  slightly  on  the  kid- 
neys, yet  as  the  pulse  and  respirations  are  both  accelerated,  the 
ordinary  diuretic  —  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  —  is  not  admissible, 
for  the  simple  reason  that  it  is  too  stimulating,  therefore  I 
recommend  the  use  of  common  nitre  —  half  an  ounce,  every 
four  hours,  to  be  given  in  a  little  water. 

The  tumefied  tongue  should  be  rubbed  often  with  table  salt. 
The  animal  does  not  require  any  kind  of  food  until  amend- 
ment takes  place.  The  best  drink  for  the  patient,  is  cold 
water,  to  which  a  little  table  salt  may  be  added. 

PLEURISY  AND  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PLEURA. 

The  delicate,  transparent  membrane,  which  lines  the  cavity 
of  the  thorax  or  chest,  is  duplicated  as  an  external  tunic  on  the 
lungs,  and  forms  a  partition  called  mediastinum,  which  divides 
the  cavity  of  the  chest  into  two  equal  parts,  termed  right  and 
left  cavities  of  the  thorax.  It  is,  therefore,  a  reflected  mem- 
brane. That  portion  which  gives  a  lining  to  the  chest  is  termed 
pleura  costalis,  and  that  which  invests  the  lungs  is  called  pleura 
pulmonalis,  although  at  all  points  they  are  precisely  similar  in 
structure  and  function.  The  pleura  is  called  a  serous  membrane  ; 
it  is  dense,  shining,  and  transparent ;  its  texture  is  penetrated 
by  blood-vessels,  nerves,  absorbents,  and  exhalents.  The  mi- 
nute ramifications  of  the  arteries  give  origin  to  a  vast  number  of 
exhalents  ;  and  these  furnish  a  serous  or  watery  vapor,  which  is 
distributed  over  every  part  of  the  pleura,  and  thus  all  friction 
and  irritation  is  prevented.  In  the  disease  known  as  hydrothorax, 
dropsy  of  the  chest,  the  effused  fluid  found  in  the  cavity  of  the 
thorax  comes  from  the  exhalents.  The  absorbents  play  a  very 
different  part ;  their  function  is  to  absorb  or  drink  up  any  super- 
abundant serum  or  blood  that  may  be  found  in  the  chest.  The 
functions  of  these  vessels,  however,  are  limited,  for  when,  in  con- 
sequence of  disease,  augmented  serous  secretion  takes  place, 
the  absorbents  are  unequal  to  the  task  imposed  on  them,  con- 
sequently the  subject  of  hydrothorax  often  dies  with  his  chest 
loaded  with  water. 


.THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  35 

Symptoms  of  Pleurisy.  —  This  disease  is  generally  ushered 
in,  like  other  febrile  affections,  by  fever  and  trembling  of  the 
fore  extremities.  The  cough  accompanying  pleurisy  is  painful, 
and  the  animal  tries  to  suppress  it  as  much  as  possible ;  the 
breathing  is  not  laborious,  but  short,  the  intercostal  muscles 
not  admitting  of  their  usual  extension  and  contraction  without 
intense  pain ;  the  diaphragm  has  to  perform  the  respiratory 
movement,  without  the  aid  of  the  former  muscles.  If  sliglit 
pressure  be  made  on  the  intercostal  spaces,  between  the  ribs, 
the  animal  will  evince  symptoms  of  intense  pain  ;  if  a  person 
attempts  to  back  the  patient,  the  latter  will  moan  or  grunt,  and 
be  very  unwilling  to  move.  The  patient  stands  with  his  fore 
legs  wide  apart,  and  seldom,  if  ever,  lies  down. 

On  applying  the  ear  to  the  sides  of  the  chest,  a  slight  sound, 
resembling  that  of  friction,  is  discernible  ;  this  is  probably  oc- 
casioned by  the  presence  of  effused  lymph  on  the  pleural  sur- 
faces. The  pulse  is  generally  quick,  tense,  and  small.  These 
are  the  principal  symptoms  of  pleurisy  in  its  early  stage ;  they 
will  vary  as  the  disease  progresses,  or  become  complicated. 
The  minor  symptoms,  such  as  "  loss  of  cud,"  etc.,  are  not  worth 
noticing,  as  they  are  present  in  various  other  forms  of  disease. 

Treatment  of  Pleurisy.  —  All  the  orthodox  veterinary  works 
recommend  bleeding  and  purging  for  this  affection,  but  the 
author  advises  his  readers  not  to  pay  the  least  attention  to  such 
false  and  fatal  doctrine ;  the  practice  has  killed  more  than  it 
ever  cured.  Instead  of  abstracting  blood,  I  usually  admin- 
ister nauseants  and  diaphoretics.  Let  the  animal  be  drenched 
with  the  following:  — 

Fluid  extract  of  Lobelia, 1  drachm. 

Liquor  Acetate  of  Ammonia, 4  ounces. 

Hot  Water, 1  pint.    Mix. 

Repeat  the  dose  at  the  end  of  four  hours.  In  the  meantime 
let  a  mustard  poultice  be  applied  to  both  sides  of  the  chest ; 
should  it  not  be  convenient  to  do  this,  smear  the  sides  with  a 
paste  composed  of  mustard,  vinegar,  and  salt.  After  the  exhibi- 
tion of  the  above  medicine,  let  the  patient  have  a  few«doses  of 
powdered  nitre  ;  this  may  be  dissolved  in  flax-seed  tea,  or  thin 


36  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  .  OF 

gruel ;  provided  the  animal  will  not  imbibe,  the  nitre  may  be 
given  in  a  drench,  to  the  amount  of  two  ounces  per  day.  In 
view  of  mitigating  the  cough  which  may  be  present,  and  of 
relieving  pain,  the  patient  may  be  made  to  inhale  an  ounce  or 
so  of  sulphuric  ether  from  a  sponge ;  the  latter  being  merely 
covered  with  a  towel,  except  that  part  which  comes  in  contact 
with  the  nostrils.  It  would  not  be  proper  to  completely  ether- 
ize the  animal,  but  merely  to  stupify  him  for  a  time  ;  this  will 
have  an  anti-spasmodic  effect,  and  may  be  repeated,  or  not,  at 
intervals  of  four  hours,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  effects 
produced. 

In  cases  of  this  character  which  have  come  under  the  author's 
treatment,  it  has  been  found  that  when  the  lobelia  was  used 
freely  in  the  early  stage,  the  patient  generally  recovered. 

It  will  be  proper  to  administer  an  occasional  enema,  and  this 
should  be  of  an  anti-spasmodic  character  ;  therefore,  an  infusion 
of  lobelia  is  recommended.  The  very  moment  the  animal  ap- 
pears to  be  relieved  of  urgent  symptoms,  the  treatment  should 
not  proceed  on  the  same  principles.  The  intention  should  be 
to  guard  against  debility  and  hydrothorax,  two  mortal  enemies 
to  the  bovine  species.  Goldenseal  and  matico  are  the  best  rem- 
edies to  prevent  the  one  and  guard  against  the  consequences  of 
latter.     They  may  be  given  in  the  following  proportions  :  — 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2  drachms. 

Tincture  of  Matico, 4  fluid  drachms. 

Hyposulphite  of  Soda, 8  drachms. 

Water, 1  pint. 

This  quantity  is  sufficient  for  a  period  of  twenty-four  hours. 
The  animal  appearing  much  better  will  be  the  signal  to  dis- 
continue all  medical  treatment. 

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

.  Pleuro-Pneumonia^  signifies  inflammation  of  the  lungs  and 
pleura,  and  merely  indicates  that  both  lung  and  pleura?  are 
diseased ;  the  disease  probably  commences  in  the  lungs  and 
finally  involves  the  pleurae  so  that  the  disease  in  its  compound 
form,  may  be  considered  as  an  aggravated  form  of  inflammation 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  37 

of  the  lung?,  the  terminations  of  which  are,  altered  structure, 
and  hydrothorax,  hence  it  differs  from  the  disease  termed 
epizootic  Pleuro-Pneumonia,  from  the  fact  that  it  is  not  infec- 
tious nor  contagious,  but  sometimes  endemic.  The  treatment  of 
this  compound  disease,  if  it  can  be  so  called,  must  be  nearly  the 
same  as  that  recommended  for  acute  inflammation  of  the  lungs, 
with  the  addition,  of  "  broken  doses  of  nitrate-potassa  in  water." 

EPIZOOTIC  PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

This  disease,  which  has  at  certain  periods,  prevailed  so 
alarmingly  in  the  old  world,  is  of  rather  rare  occurence  in  this 
section  of  the  United  States,  the  only  cases  that  have  come 
under  the  author's  notice,  occured  among  some  animals  owned 
by  the  Hon.  D.  Webster,  some  three  years  prior  to  the  death 
of  the  Sage  of  Marshjield ;  he  about  this  period,  lost  some  very 
fine  cattle,  and  in  order  to  secure  himself  pecuniarily,  he  sent  a 
number  to  Brighton  market,  which  were  sold  at  current  beef 
prices,  although  some  of  them  were  really  worth  their  weight 
in  gold.  From  the  intelligent  description  Mr.  Webster  gave 
me  of  the  mode  of  attack,  primary  symptoms,  duration  of  the 
disease,  and  its  termination, —  and  at  the  same  time  having  a 
couple  of  subjects  laboring  under  the  same  difficulty,  —  I  had  a 
fine  opportunity  to  compare  notes,  and  make  a  correct  diagnosis. 
On  expressing  my  doubts  to  Mr.  W.,  of  the  genuineness  of  the 
disease,  he  immediately  quoted  from  the  "  Farmers  Dictionary,'* 
Youatt,  several  German  and  French  authors,  to  sustain  his 
position,  and  contrary  to  the  experience  of  our  American  vets, 
I  was  compelled  to  "  knock  under,"  as  the  saying  is,  and  coin- 
cide with  him,  that  the  cases,  as  they  occurred,  were  of  a  purely 
pleuro-pneumonic  character,  and  since  which  period  my  opinion 
has  remained  unchanged.  In  view  of  furnishing  the  reader 
with  reliable  matter  on  the  subject  now  under  consideration,  a 
selection  from  the  pen  of  Findley  Dun,  V.  S.,  "  A  prize  essay  y* 
is  offered. 

"The  causes  of  the  disease,  both  immediate  and  remote, 
are  subjects  full  of  interest  and  importance  ;  and  a  knowledge 
4 


38  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

of  them  not  only  aids  in  the  prevention  of  disease,  but  also 
leads  the  practitioner  to  form  a  more  correct  diagnosis,  and  to 
pursue  the  most  approved  course  of  treatment.  It  is,  however, 
unfortunate  that  the  causes  of  pleuro-pneumonia  have  not  as 
yet  been  satisfactorily  explained.  No  department  of  the  his- 
tory of  the  disease  is  less  understood,  or  more  involved  in 
doubt  and  obscurity.  But  in  this  respect  pleuro-pneumonia  is 
not  peculiar :  it  is  but  one  of  an  extensive  class  which  embraces 
most  epidemic  and  epizootic  diseases.  And  if  the  causes  which 
produce  influenza,  fevers,  and  cholera,  were  clearly  explained, 
those  which  produce  pleuro-pneumonia  would,  in  all  probability 
be  easy  of  solution. 

"Viewing  the  wide-spread  and  similar  effects  of  pleuro- 
pneumonia we  may  surmise  that  they  are  referable  to  some 
common  cause.  And  although  much  difference  of  opinion 
exists  upon  this  subject,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  contagion  is 
a  most  active  cause  in  the  diffusion  of  the  disease.  Indeed, 
a  due  consideration  of  the  history  and  spread  of  pleuro-pneu- 
monia over  all  parts  of  the  land  will  be  sufficient  to  show 
that  in  certain  stages  of  the  disease,  it  possesses  the  power  of 
infecting  animals  apparently  in  a  sound  and  healthy  condition, 
and  otherwise  unexposed  to  the  action  of  any  exciting  cause. 
The  peculiarity  of  the  progress  of  this  disease,  from  the  time 
that  it  first  appeared  in  England,  is  of  itself  no  small  evidence 
of  its  contagious  nature.  Its  slow  and  gradual  progress  is 
eminently  characteristic  of  diffusion  by  contagion ;  and  net 
only  were  the  earlier  cases  which  occurred  in  this  island 
distinctly  proved  to  have  arisen  from  contact  with  the  Irish 
droves,  but  also  subsequent  cases,  even  up  to  the  present  day, 
show  numerous  examples  in  which  contagion  is  clearly  and 
unequivocally  traceable.  .  .  .  Although  pleuro-pneumonia 
is  not  produced  by  the  action  of  any  one  of  these  circumstances 
alone  [referring  to  noxious  effluvia,  etc.],  yet  many  of  them 
must  be  considered  as  predisposing  to  the  disease ;  and 
although  not  its  immediate  exciting  causes,  yet,  by  depress- 
ing the  physical  powers,  they  render  the  system  more 
liable  to  disease,  and  less  able  to  withstand  its  assaults.     De- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  39 

ficient  ventilation,  filth,  insufficient  and  bad  food,  may  indeed 
predispose  to  the  disease,  concentrate  the  animal  effluvia,  and 
become  the  matrix  and  nidus  of  the  organic  poison  ;  but  still, 
not  one,  alone,  of  these  circumstances,  or  even  all  of  them 
combined,  can  produce  the  disease  in  question.  There  must 
be  the  subtle  poison  to  call  them  into  operation,  the  specific 
influence  to  generate  the  disease. 

"  On  'the  other  hand,  it  appears  probable  that  the  exciting 
cause,  whether  it  be  contagion,  or  whatever  else,  cannot,  of 
itself,  generate  the  disease  y  but  that  certain  conditions  or  pre- 
disposing causes  are  necessary  to  its  existence,  and  without 
which  its  specific  effects  cannot  be  produced.  But  although 
these  remote  or  predisposing  causes  are  very  numerous,  they 
are  often  difficult  of  detection ;  nay,  it  is  sometimes  inapossible 
to  tell  to  what  the  disease  is  referable,  or  upon  what  weak 
point  the  exciting  cause  has  fixed  itself.  A  source  of  per- 
plexity results  fi'om  the  fact.  .  .  .  The  predisposing 
causes  of  the  disease  admit  of  many  divisions  and  subdivisions ; 
they  may,  however,  be  considered  under  two  general  heads  — 
hereditary  and  acquired. 

"  With  reference  to  the  former,  we  know  that  good  points 
and  properties  of  an  animal  are  transmitted  from  one  genera- 
tion to  another ;  so  also  are  faults,  and  the  tendencies  to  par- 
ticular diseases.  As  in  the  same  families  there  is  a  similarity 
of  external  form,  so  there  is  an  internal  likeness,  which 
accounts  for  the  common  nature  of  their  constitution,  modified 
however,  by  difference  of  age,  sex,  etc. 

"  Among  the  acquired  predisposing  causes  of  pleuro-pneu- 
monia  may  be  enumerated  general  debility,  local  weakness, 
resulting  from  previous  disease,  irritants  and  stimulants,  ex- 
posure to  cold,  damp,  or  sudden  changes  of  temperature,  the 
want  of  cleanliness,  the  breathing  of  an  atmosphere  vitiated  by 
the  decomposition  of  animal  or  vegetable  matters,  or  laden 
with  any  other  impurity.  In  short,  under  this  head  may  be 
included  every  thing  which  tends  to  lower  the  health  and 
vigor  of  the  system,  and  consequently  to  increase  the  suscep- 
tibility to  disease. 


40  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

"  The  primary  symptoms  of  pleuro-pneumonia  are  generally 
obscure,  and  too  often  excite  but  little  attention  or  anxiety. 
As  the  disease  steals  on,  the  animal  becomes  dull  and  dejected, 
and,  if  in  the  field,  separates  itself  from  its  fellows.  It  becomes 
uneasy,  ceases  to  ruminate,  and  the  respirations  are  a  little 
hurried.  If  it  be  a  milch  cow,  the  lacteal  secretion  is  diminished, 
and  the  udder  is  hot  and  tender.  The  eyes  are  dull,  the  head 
is  lowered,  the  nose  protruded,  and  the  nostrils  expanded. 
The  urine  generally  becomes  scanty  and  high-colored.  It  is 
seldom  thought  that  much  is  the  matter  with  the  animal  until 
it  c.eases  to  eat ;  but  this  criterion  does  not  hold  good  in  most 
cases  of  the  disease,  for  the  animal  at  the  outset  still  takes  its 
food,  and  continues  to  do  so  until  the  blood  becomes  impover- 
ished and  poisoned ;  it  is  then  that  the  system  becomes  deranged, 
the  digestive  process  impaired,  and  fever  established.  The 
skin  adheres  to  the  ribs,  and  there  is  tenderness  along  the  spine. 
Manipulation  of  the  trachea,  and  percussion  applied  to  the 
sides,  causes  the  animal  to  evince  pain.  Although  the  beast 
may  have  been  ill  only  three  days,  the  number  of  pulsations 
are  generally  about  seventy  per  minute ;  but  they  are  some- 
times eighty,  and  even  more.  In  the  first  stage,  the  artery 
under  the  jaw  feels  full  and  large  ;  but  as  the  disease  runs  on, 
the  pulse  rapidly  becomes  smaller,  quicker,  and  more  oppressed. 
The  breathing  is  labored,  and  goes  on  accelerating  as  the  local 
inflammation  increases.  The  fore  extremities  are  planted  wide 
apart,  with  the  elbows  turned  out  in  order  to  arch  the  ribs,  and 
form  fixed  points  for  the  action  of  those  muscles  which  the 
animal  brings  into  operation  to  assist  the  respiratory  process.  In 
pleuro-pneumonia,  the  hot  stage  of  fever  is  never  of  long 
duration  \_simply  because  there  is  not  enough  vitality  in  the 
system  to  keep  up  a  continued  fever'].  The  state  of  collapse 
quickly  ensues,  when  the  surface  heat  again  decreases,  and  the 
pulse  becomes  small  and  less  distinct.  We  have  now  that  low 
typhoid  fever  so  much  to  be  dreaded,  and  which  characterizes 
the  disease  in  common  with  epizootics, 

".  .  .  The  horse  laboring  under  pleuro-pneumonia,  or, 
indeed,  any  pulmonory  disease  will  not  lie  down ;  but,  in  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  41 

same  circumstances,  cattle  do  so  as  readily  as  in  health.  They 
do  not  however,  lie  upon  their  side,  but  couch  upon  the 
sternum,  which  is  broad  and  flat,  and  covered  by  a  quantity  of 
fibro-cellular  substance,  which  serves  as  a  cushion ;  while  the 
articulation  between  the  lower  extremities  of  the  ribs  admits 
of  lateral  expansion  of  the  chest.  In  this  position  cattle 
generally  lie  towards  thft  side  principally  affected,  thus  reliev- 
ing the  sounder  side,  and  enabling  it  to  act  more  freely.  There 
is  sometimes  a  shivering  and  general  tremor,  which  may  exist 
throughout  the  whole  course  of  the  disease.  (This  is  owing  io 
a  loss  of  equilibrum  between  the  nerves  of  nutrition  and  the 
circulation.)  ...  As  the  case  advances  in  severity, 
and  runs  on  to  an  unfavorable  termination,  the  pulse  loses  its 
strength  and  becomes  quicker.  Respiration  is  in  most  cases 
attended  by  a  grunt  at  the  commencement  of  expiration  —  a 
symptom,  however,  not  observable  in  the  horse.  The  expired 
air  is  cold,  and  of  a  noisome  odor.  The  animal  crouches. 
There  is  sometimes  an  apparent  knuckling  over  at  the  fetlocks, 
caused  by  pain  in  the  joints.  This  symptom  is  mostly  observ- 
able in  cases  when  the  pleura  and  pericardium  are  affected. 
The  animal  grinds  its  teeth.  The  appetite  has  now  entirely 
failed,  and  the  emaciation  becomes  extreme.  The  muscles, 
especially  those  employed  in  respiration,  become  wasted  ;  the 
belly  is  tucked,  and  the  flanks  heave ;  the  oppressive  uneasiness 
is  excessive;  the  strength  fails,  under  the  convulsive  efforts 
attendant  upon  respiration,  and  the  poor  animal  dies. 

"  In  using  means  to  prevent  the  occurrence  of  the  disease, 
we  should  endeavor  to  maintain  in  a  sound  and  healthy  tone 
the  physical  powers  of  the  stock,  and  to  avoid  whatever  tends 
to  depress  the  vital  force.  Exposure  to  the  influence  of  con- 
tagion (and  infection)  must  be  guarded  against,  and,  on  the 
appearance  of  the  disease,  every  precaution  must  be  used  to 
prevent  the  healthy  having  communication  with  the  sick.  By 
a  steady  pursuance,  on  the  part  of  the  stock  proprietor,  of  these 
precautionary  measures,  and  by  the  exercise  of  care,  prudence, 
and  attention,  the  virulence  of  the  disease  will,  we  are  sure,  be 
much  abated,  and  its  progress  checked." 
4* 


42  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

As  the  reader  could  not  be  benefited  by  our  detailing  the 
system  of  medication  pursued  in  England,  —  at  least  we  should 
judge  not,  when  we  take  into  consideration  the  great  loss  that 
attends  their  best  efforts,  —  we  shall  therefore  proceed  to  inform 
the  reader  how  the  disease  should  be  treated  in  this  country. 

If  a  "sound  and  healthy  tone  of  the  physical  powers  of  neat 
stock,"  is  the  best  preventive  against  this  formidable  malady,  it 
follows,  that  a  course  of  medication  and  management,  calcu- 
lated to  restore  the  lost  healthy  tone,  is  the  most  rational.  In 
the  first  place,  the  patient  should  be  removed  from  its  asso- 
ciates, into  a  loose  barn  or  shed ;  the  diet  must  be  light  and 
nutritious  ;  should,  however,  the  animal  be  plethoric,  the  at- 
tendant would  of  course  dip  a  lighter  hand  into  the  meal-bag. 
The  general  indications  of  cure  are  as  follows  :  Restore  the 
suppressed  evacuations,  secretions,  and  excretions  ;  provided 
either  are  interrupted,  and  relieve  all  urgent  symptoms. 

In  view  of  fulfilling  the  above  indications  the  following 
recipe  is  submitted :  — 

Glycerine, 1  ounce. 

Iodide  of  Potassium, 5  drachms. 

Tincture  of  Lobelia, 1  ounce. 

Podophyllum, 1  drachm. 

Water, 6  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  one-sixth  of  this  quantity  morning  and  eve- 
ning. Should  peristaltic  action  of  the  intestines  appear  to  be 
tardy  or  inefficient,  a  relaxing  and  stimulating  enema  may  be 
administered  in  the  following  proportions  :  — 

Pulverized  Lobelia  seeds, 1  ounce. 

Pulverixed  Ginger, 4  drachms. 

Hot  Water, 2  quarts. 

Mix,  and  inject. 

It  is  a  woeful  error  to  resort  to  blood-letting  in  this  malady, 
for  in  the  first  place  all  epizootic  diseases  are  of  a  very  pros- 
trating character,  and  in  a  brief  space  of  time  generally  com- 
mit the  most  fearful  ravages,  so  that  all  the  blood  in  the  econ- 
omy is  needed  ;  some  of  it  goes  to  repair  the  mischief  occurring 
in  the  organs  of  respiration  and  elsewhere  ;  and  another  quan- 
tum is  needed  to  carry  on  the  vital  operations;  in  fact  there 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  43 

is  no  blood  to  spare.  In  the  next  place  blood  under  all  the 
stages  of  this  malady  is  highly  carbonized.  Now  it  seems  to 
be  more  necessary  to  decarbonize  it  than  to  abstract  it ;  it 
can  be  decarbonized  by  administering  repeated  doses  of  am- 
monia with  much  better  prospects  of  success,  than  by  the  former 
process. 

Ammonia  is  always  indicated  in  debilitating  diseases,  and  in 
congestions  of  the  lungs  ;  it  stimulates  the  circulatory  apparatus 
to  increased  activity,  and  thus  induces  a  more  equal  distribu- 
tion of  the  blood ;  in  this  way  congestions  are  relieved. 

The  dose  of  aqua  ammonia,  as  a  diffusable  stimulant,  de- 
carbonizer and  antiseptic,  is  from  two  to  four  drachms  ;  it 
should  be  largely  diluted  with  water  or  gruel,  for  if  given  alone 
it  will  act  as  a  vesicant  and  irritant,  and  thus  do  more  harm 
than  good.  It  may  be  given  often,  provided  it  is  well  diluted, 
as  it  does  not  accumulate  in  the  system,  but  is  generally  ex- 
creted from  the  same  through  the  common  excretory  outlets. 

Ungent  symptoms  may  be  thus  relieved,  for  example : 
should  the  animal  have  a  bad  cough,  a  dram  of  Tilden's  or 
Thayer's  fluid  extract  of  lobelia  may  be  given  occasionally,  in 
a  draught  of  water,  and  after  the  exhibition  of  ammonia,  should 
the  pulse  indicate  a  sedative,  half  an  ounce  of  powdered  nitre, 
may  be  given  at  intervals  of  two  hours  until  the  pulse  become 
softer  and  less  frequent. 

The  best  purgative  should  such  an  agent  be  indicated,  is 
chloride  of  sodium,  —  common  salt.  Dose,  eight  or  twelve 
ounces  dissolved  in  water. 

Should  the  animal  be  feverish,  which  may  be  discovered  by 
the  unnatural  heat  of  the  external  surface,  dry  state  of  the 
mouth,  accompanied  by  excessive  thirst,  scanty  urine,  etc.,  a 
few  doses  of  the  solution  of  the  acetate  of  ammonia  mjiy  be 
given.     Dose,  three  ounces  diluted  with  water. 

INOCULATION  FOR  CONTAGIOUS    PLEURO-PNEUxMONIA. 

It  appears,  from  reports  made  by  French  and  German  veter- 
inary surgeons,  that  inoculation  for  the  above  disease  must 
come   into  general   practice,  and  finally    will  prove  of  great 


44  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

value  in  mitigating  the  form  and  intensity  of  this  dreadful 
malady.  Prof.  Simmonds  of  the  London  Veterinary  College, 
who  was  commissioned,  a  short  time  ago,  to  visit  the  locations 
of  the  ^^  rinderpests^  reports  unfavorably  on  inoculation  for 
the  same,  but  this  will  not  affect  the  general  issue,  "  time, 
which  proves  all  things,"  must  elapse  ere  inoculation  becomes 
popular.  Vaccination,  when  first  practised  by  Jenner,  met 
with  great  opposition,  in  fact,  for  a  long  time  it  got  the  cold 
shoulder  of  put>lic  opinion,  and  a  great  number  of  professional 
men  who  were  directly  interested  in  the  success  of  so  great  a 
boon  to  suffering  humanity  also  opposed  it. 

The  want  of  success  in  a  new  experiment  of  this  kind,  is 
probably  in  a  majority  of  cases,  owing  to  a  lack  of  knowledge 
on  the  part  of  experimenters,  regarding  the  conditions  neces- 
sary to  a  successful  issue.  Inoculation  has  been  tried  in  the 
^'-swill-milk"  establishments  in  New  York,  the  results  have 
proved  unsatisfactory,  and  there  are  reasons  for  these  failures, 
which  I  shall  briefly  allude  to.  In  the  first  place,  the  matter 
used  for  innoculation  was  taken  from  the  lungs  of  dead  subjects 
after  having  died  the  most  horrid  of  all  deaths,  in  an  atmos- 
phere and  region  too  beastly  to  contemplate.  Now  it  is  well 
known  that  absorption  of  morbid  matter  from  a  dead  subject 
is  almost  sure  to  occasion  death.  It  is  well  known  that  many 
eminent  physicians  have  lost  their  lives  in  this  way,  and  mill- 
ions of  men  and  animals  have  sunk  into  the  arms  of  death  in 
consequence  of  absorbing  septic  poisons.  In  my  opinion,  there 
is  not  the  remotest  chance  of  success  in  inoculation,  when 
putrid  matter  from  the  lungs  of  a  dead  subject  is  used.  It  is 
understood  that  a  great  number  of  animals  in  the  swill-milk 
establishments  loose  their  tails,  the  greatest  wonder  is,  that 
their  bodies  should  survive  the  tails. 

In  the  next  place,  the  location  selected  for  the  insertion  of 
the  virus  is  not  a  good  one  ;  it  is  too  remote  from  the  central 
organs  of  circulation,  so  that  if  any  damage  occurs  to  the 
tissues  of  the  tail  by  the  introduction  of  the  virus,  the  repara- 
tive process  will  not  be  so  active  as  in  other  parts  situated 
nearer  the  heart.    Even  a  simple  wound,  made  in  the  tail,  does 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  45 

not  always  heal  so  readily  as  it  would  in  some  other  parts  of  the 
body.  The  fact  is,  the  tail  is  a  very  useful,  yet  active  member 
of  the  body,  and  it  is  this  very  activity  that  I  complain  of,  for  it 
is  unfavorable  to  the  healing  of  the  parts.  Every  one  knows, 
also,  that  in  crowded  hospitals,  in  filthy,  unventilated  dungeons 
and  stables,  even  simple  wounds  often  acquire  a  malignancy^ 
which  very  much  retards  the  healing  process.  Then  again, 
very  few  persons  (in  this  country)  understand  the  modus  oper- 
andi of  inoculation ;  as  it  is  now  practised  in  New  York,  viz., 
by  making  an  incision,  there  is  little  hopes  of  any  benefit  to  the 
animal,  profit  to  the  owner,  nor,  under  the  circumstances,  will 
the  operation  ever  become  popular. 

To  those  persons  who  wish  to  try  the  experiment  of  inocu- 
lation, I  offer  the  following  suggestions  :  — 

1st.  The  animal  to  be  experimented  upon  should  be  placed 
in  a  clean  comfortable  location,  separated  from  the  infected 
animals. 

2d.  The  virus  should  be  collected  from  the  nasal  cavities 
of  a  living,  yet  affected  animal,  at  a  period  when  the  disease 
has  about  attained  its  height,  as  the  saying  is.  The  exudation 
may  be  obtained  after  an  act  of  coughing,  or  it  may  be  gath 
ered  or  scraped  from  the  nasal  membrane,  by  means  of  a 
teaspoon;  but,  probably,  the  matter  expelled  in  the  act  ot 
coughing,  will  answer  the  purpose  best.  This,  as  soon  as  col- 
lected, should  be  placed  in  a  ground  stopped  bottle,  ready 
for  use. 

3d.  The  virus  may  be  inserted  at  the  inside  of  the  fore 
arm,  three  or  four  inches  below  the  point  of  the  elbow  ;  then 
make  a  slight  puncture  with  a  common  lancet,  then  dip  the 
same  into  the  virus  (contained  in  the  bottle),  and  thoroughly 
smear  the  orifice  and  insinuate  some  under  the  epidermis ;  the 
very  smallest  particle,  properly  introduced,  will  sufiice  ;  a  sin- 
gle germ  or  cell  is  all  we  require  to  "  leaven  the  whole  loaf." 

PNEUMATOSIS  OR  WINDY  DISTENSIONS. 

The  states  of  various  tissues  and  organs  of  the  body,  known 
as  windy  distention,  —  emphysema,  —  are  of  such  common  oc- 


46  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

currence  among  live  stock,  that  it  "  stands  us  in  hand"  as  the 
saying  is,  to  inquire  into  the  why  and  wherefore  of  the  same. 
I  had  prepared  an  article  on  the  above  subject ;  but,  fortunately 
for  the  reader,  and  luckily  for  me,  I  have  been  permitted  to 
furnish  a  very  valuable  document,  which  throws  mine  completely 
into  the  shade,  saves  my  credit,  and  amply  repays  the  reader 
for  the  patience  he  must  necessarily  possess  in  order  to  read  and 
appreciate  the  following  lengthy  article.  It  emanates  from  the 
hrain,  and  is  chronicled  by  the  pen  of  M.  Hainard,  in  the 
Journal  de  3Iedicine  Veterinaire  de  Lyon.  The  translation 
here  introduced  is  furnished  by  the  Veterinarian. 

The  subject  is  introduced  mfour  parts,  The  first  treats  of  a 
combination  of  healthy  and  diseased  gases  found  to  pervade  the 
animal  body  during  life.  The  second  refers  to  pulmonary  pneu- 
matosis or  emphysema  of  the  lungs.  The  third  lucidly  explains 
pneumatosis  of  the  alimentary  canal,  called  tympanitis.  The 
fourth  investigates  cellular  pneumatosis  or  external  emphysema. 

The  remedies  used  for  the  treatment  of  pneumatosis  are 
tonics,  stimulants,  and  antiseptics.  The  following  will  serve  as 
an  example :  — 

Hyposulphite  of  Soda, 1  ounce. 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 3  drachms 

"        Ginger, 2  drachms. 

Mix  with  water  and  drench  the  patient;  this  dose  may  be 
repeated  at  the  end  of  six  hours,  if  necessary. 

ON  THE  GASEOUS  FLUIDS  OF  A  LIVING  ANIMAL  BODY, 
CONSIDERED  IN  THE  LIGHT  OF  GENERAL  PHYSI- 
OLOGY AND  PATHOLOGY. 

"  M.  Dumas,  by  a  learned  deduction  from  scientific  facts,  es- 
tablishes on  proofs  furnished  by  the  chemistry  of  organic  bodies, 
that  the  primitive  materials  of  organization  are  derived  from 
the  atmosphere.  According  to  him,  plants,  like  animals,  spring 
from  air,  —  are  real  dependents  of  the  atmosphere. 

"  The  vegetable  kingdom,  adds  this  learned  chemist,  is  the 
grand  elaboratory  of  organic  life.  Therein  is  it  that  vegetable 
and  animal  matters  arc  produced  at  the  expense  of  the  air,  and 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  47 

by  a  transmutation  no  less  true  than  surprising,  these  matters, 
ready  formed,  pass  from  vegetable  to  herbivorous  animals,  and 
then  to  carnivora,  which  either  consume  or  preserve  them,  ac- 
cording to  their  wants.  Lastly,  either  during  the  life  of  such 
animals,  or  after  their  death,  these  organic  matters,  in  the  ratio 
in  which  they  become  consumed,  return  to  the  atmosphere 
whence  they  are  derived  ;  and  thus  is  formed  the  organic  circle 
of  organic  life  upon  the  surface  of  our  globe. 

"  The  air  contains  or  generates  certain  oxyde  productions, 
carbonic  acid,  water,  azotic  acid,  oxyde  of  ammonia.  Plants, 
the  veritable  decomposers  of  these,  absorb  their  bases,  carbon, 
hydrogen,  azote,  and  ammonia,  with  which  elements  they  com- 
pound the  whole  of  the  matters,  organic  and  organizable, 
yielded  to  animals.  These  veritable  apparatus  for  combustion, 
in  their  turn,  reproduce  carbonic  acid,  water,  oxyde  of  ammo- 
nia, and  azotic  acid,  which  once  more  depart  into  the  air,  in 
order  to  regenerate  afresh,  through  endless  ages,  the  same  phe- 
nomena. 

"  To  this  picture,  striking  no  less  by  its  si  mplicity  than  its 
grandeur,  we  must  add  the  undeniable  influence  of  solar  light, 
which  alone  can  set  in  action  this  immense  apparatus  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom,  whence  is  effected  the  reduction  of  the 
oxyde  ingredients  of  the  air  to  serve  the  purposes  of  the  for- 
mation and  repair  of  organization. 

"  So  that  modern  chemistry  has  traced,  with  admirable  pro- 
fundity, the  important  part  performed  by  the  air,  the  grand 
agent,  this  immense  reservoir,  which,  by  itself,  or  through  the 
agency  of  the  substances  contained  in  it,  furnishes  the  primary 
elements  of  vegetable  organization.  Here,  then,  is  the  pri- 
mary form  of  the  constituent  elements  of  living  bodies  (to  wit) 
the  gaseous  state.  It  is  likewise  through  the  same  state  that 
comes  their  end. 

*'  But  it  is  not  only  at  their  formation,  or  at  their  decay,  that 
their  immediate  principles  become  resolved  into  gas  ;  the  same 
thing  happens  in  the  course  of  their  lifetime.  Even  in  their 
very  tissues  gas  becomes  developed,  and  commonly  as  the  pro- 
duct of  secretion  ;  only  such  products  are  not  generated  in  any 


48  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

continuous  or  permanent  manner,  like  carbonic  acid  gas  ex- 
haled by  the  green  parts  of  vegetables ;  they  form,  but  under 
certain  conditions  and  for  certain  uses,  which  we  shall  now 
consider. 

"  M.  de  Blainville,  in  his  General  Physiology  (vol  iii,  p.  124), 
is  of  opinion  that  there  are  two  kinds  of  principal  gases ;  one 
to  be  accounted  elementary,  composing  the  integrant  part  of  the 
organism,  which  exists  constantly  and  normally  ;  the  other,  as 
1  have  just  remarked,  secreted  or  exhaled  by  the  tissues. 

"  The  elementary  gases,  observes  this  learned  physiologist, 
enter  into  the  composition  of  the  body,  are  found  in  the  cells  of 
the  tissues,  and  through  them  distributed  over  every  part  of 
the  body.  The  physical  characters  of  these  elements  become 
confounded  with  the  anatomical  character  of  the  tissues,  so  that 
they  are  only  to  be  found  in  the  component  solids  of  organiza- 
tion ;  we  may  add,  or  in  liquids,  since  it  is  beyond  all  doubt 
that  the  blood  contains  among  its  molecules  particles  of  aeriform 
fluid. 

"  And  gaseous  products  are,  like  other  products  of  the  body 
according  to  the  same  author,  substances  differing  in  nature, 
disposed  about  the  organism,  oftenest  upon  the  surface  of  the 
body  (meaning  by  surface  not  only  the  skin,  but  the  different 
mucous  inlets,  all  corresponding  to  the  exterior  as  well),  but 
sometimes  likewise  within  certain  cavities  and  cells,  without,  in 
fact,  composing  part  of  their  organism,  and  with  many  without 
disturbing  them,  be  extracted  from  them,  or  may  be  rejected 
by  tliem. 

"  Gaseous  products  appear  to  be  the  result  of  secretions  anal- 
ogous to  those  producing  fluids.  Like  as  the  skin  furnishes  the 
perspirable  matter,  it  produces  likewise  carbonic  acid  gas  ;  and 
the  mucous  passages  of  the  bronchii  give  issue  to  not  only  car- 
bonic acid  gas,  but  likewise  to  azote  and  to  water.  Glands 
also,  it  is  probable,  secrete  gas  with  their  habitual  fluids  ;  and 
the  cellular  tissue  itself  generates  gas  in  the  case  of  emphysema, 
as  well  as  serosity,  and  so  likewise  do  serous  surfaces. 

"  These  general  positions  established,  without  stopping  to  in- 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  49 

quire  into  the  distinction  prescribed  by  M.  de  Blainville,  the 
order  I  propose  to  observe  is  this  :  — 

"  In  the  first  paragraph  I  shall  exhibit  the  parts  of  the  body 
in  which  gases  are  found,  and  this  paragraph  I  shall  divide  ac- 
cording as  they  are  met  with ;  viz. :  — 

"  (A.)  In  the  Blood. 

«  (B.)  In  the  Cellular  Tissue. 

"  (C.)  In  the  Serous  Membranes. 

"  (D.)  In  the  Mucous  Membranes. 

"  (E.)  In  the  Skin. 

"  In  a  second  paragraph  I  shall  treat  of  the  physical  and 
chemical  characters  of  the  gas. 

"  In  a  third  of  the  physiological  conditions  of  the  produc- 
tion of  gases,  either  as  elements  of  the  body  or  as  products. 
1st.  of  respiration;  2d,  of  nutrition  ;  3d,  of  digestion  ;  4:th,  of 
absorption ;  5th,  and  lastly,  of  the  secretions. 

"  In  a  fourth  paragraph,  of  the  gases  belonging  to  the  dis- 
eased state ;  of  the  morbid  conditions  under  the  influence  of 
which  gases  are  generated,  and  of  the  nature  of  disorders 
which  they  beget. 

"  In  a  fifth  and  last  paragraph,  I  shall  offer  some  general 
considerations  on  the  therapeutics  of  flatulent  disorders. 

I.     Of  the  Parts  of  the  Body  where  Gases  are  found, 

"  The  existence  of  gas  has  been  demonstrated  in  the  blood, 
in  the  cellular  tissue,  in  the  serous  cavities,  upon  the  surfaces 
of  the  mucous  membranes,  and  upon  that  of  the  skin. 

"  (A.)      Of  Gases  contained  in  Vessels,  mixed  or  circulating 
with  the  Blood. 

.  "  Venous  blood  admits  gases,  as  may  be  plainly  proved,  and 
in  health  too,  and  we  know  that  they  become  accidentally  in- 
troduced into  it. 

"  Commencing  with  animals  occupying  a   low  station  in  the 
scale  of  animal  existence,  the  tench,  for  example,  we  ascertain 
by  opening  the  body  of  the  animal  under  water,  that  there  ex- 
5 


50  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

ists  in  its  veins  a  notable  quantity  of  aeriform  fluid.  And  with- 
out a  question,  pulmonary  absorption,  in  other  animals,  intro- 
duces gases  into  the  venous  system  ;  and  chemistry  has  taught 
us,  that  the  blood  flowing  through  this  system  is  most  greedy 
of  it.  Magnus,  the  Berlin  chemist,  has  established,  by  his  re- 
searches, that  the  blood  has  the  power  of  dissolving  a  certain 
quantity  of  all  gases  in  contact  with  it;  but  that,  whenever 
this  liquid,  already  charged  with  gas,  comes  to  absorb  another, 
it  can  only  do  so  by  giving  out  a  certain  portion  of  the  one 
first  taken  up ;  so  that,  when  venous  blood  is  agitated  with  hy- 
drogen, a  portion  of  this  gas  is  dissolved,  and  a  corresponding 
quantity  of  carbonic  acid  already  existing  in  the  liquid  is  dis- 
engaged ;  and  when,  instead  of  hydrogen,  oxygen  is  made 
use  of,  an  analogous  result  is  obtained.  The  venous  blood  ab-  • 
sorbs  a  certain  quantity  of  gas,  and  liberates  a  quantity  of 
carbonic  acid  nearly  equivalent  thereto. 

"  Persons  engaged  in  dissection  know  fuH  well  that  it  is  by 
no  means  an  uncommon  thing  to  meet  with  gaseous  globules  in 
the  veins  of  animals  slaughtered  in  a  state  of  health. 

"  We  also  know  that  the  insufflation  of  air  into  the  jugular 
vein  of  a  horse  does  not  always  produce  ill  consequences,  much 
less  death.  Under  these  circumstances,  without  doubt,  the  air 
introduced  becomes  absorbed  by  the  blood. 

"  Is  gas  likewise  present  in  arterial  blood  ?  Chemists  think 
so,  and  M.  Lassingen  assures  us  positively  of  the  fact.  Ac- 
cording to  him,  arterial  blood,  though  in  less  quantit}''  than 
venous  blood,  both  contains  acid  gas  and  azote. 

"  Brummer  has  proved  the  existence  of  gas  in  arteries  by 
the  following  experiment :  After  having  produced  a  slow  cir- 
culation by  means  of  foxglove  on  a  dog,  he  seized  the  aorta 
and  by  means  of  a  couple  of  ligatures  dammed  up  the  blood 
flowing  through  it,  closing  the  farther  ligature  first,  instantly 
after  the  contraction  of  the  ventricle.  On  opening  after  a  little 
while  this  imprisoned  portion  of  trunk,  he  discovered  an 
aeriform  fluid  in  it,  of  which  we  shall  anon  ascertain  the  com- 
position. 

**  We  are  told  that  every  time  we  take  a  large  quantity  of 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  51 

blood  away  from  an  animal,  we  find  gas  in  the  arteries,  intro- 
duced there  to  fill  the  void  left  by  the  flow  of  blood ;  a  void 
■which  is  not  suffered  to  pervade  the  arterial  parietes,  on  account 
of  their  not  returning  with  sufficient  rapidity  to  their  natural 
calibre. 

"  For  a  very  long  time  it  has  been  known  that,  after  death, 
aeriform  fluids  occupy  the  place  of  the  blood  in  the  arteries, 
which  has  been  propelled  into  the  venous  system.  It  was,  in- 
deed, from  this  discovery  of  Erudistratus  that  the  arteries  re- 
ceived the  name  they  bear  to  this  day. 

"  The  presence  of  gases  in  the  sanguiferous  system,  and  in 
the  interstices  of  tissues,  is  never  observed,  according  to  M.  de 
Bluinville,  in  the  foetus,  before  it  has  respired.  He  assures  us 
he  has  never  seen  globules  of  air  escape  from  the  body  of  the 
foetuses,  which  he  has  opened  under  water.  Notwithstanding 
this  imposing  authority,  however,  one  is  tempted  to  doubt  the 
correctness  of  the  assertion,  when  one  knows  that  the  blood  of 
the  mother  and  the  waters  of  the  amnion  both  contain  gas. 

"  (B.)      Of  the  Gases  of  the  Generative  Cellular  Tissue. 

"  The  presence  of  gas  in  the  cellular  tissue  is  abundantly 
jjroved  by  the  formation  of  emphysema,  at  times  very  consid- 
erable. 

"  We  find  them  within  the  cellular  tissue  entering  into  the 
iomposition  of  organs,  as  well  as  in  that  which  forms  the  adhe- 
j-ent  surface  of  serous  and  ligamentary  membranes. 

"  Underneath  the  skin,  emphysema,  in  some  cases,  makes  its 
appearance  spontaneously,  or  without  any  appreciable  cause  : 
it  then  seems  to  be  the  result  of  a  particular  and  entirely 
i.ocal  secretion  of  this  tissue.  More  commonly,  however,  the 
accumulation  of  sub-cutaneous  gases  depends  upon  some  in- 
ternal morbid  condition,  of  which  it  is  but  the  effect  or  a 
symptom.  Fevers  called  adynamic  and  typhoid,  and  typhus 
ever,  and  the  introduction  through  the  skin  of  certain  poisons, 
rurnish  examples  of  this. 

"  But  the  presence  of  aeriform  fluids  underneath  the  skin, 


52  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

constituting  emphysema,  is  at  times  purely  accidental ;  it  may 
depend  upon  a  solution  of  continuity  of  the  skin,  permitting  the 
introduction  of  atmospheric  air  into  the  subjacent  cellular 
tissue. 

"  As  for  the  gas  discovered  within  the  parenchyma  of  or- 
gans, especially  of  the  lungs,  it  no  doubt  owes  its  presence  to 
respiration,  which  escapes  through  some  laceration  or  perfora- 
tion of  some  of  the  air-cells,  previmisly  dilated  and  softened 
by  the  action  of  inflammation. 

"  It  is  the  same  with  the  gases  found  in  the  sub-pleural  cell- 
ular tissue,  and  within  the  abdomen,  in  the  peritoneal  cellular 
tissue,  as  the  consequence  of  rupture  or  •  perforation  of  the 
stomach  and  intestines. 

"  (C)  The  Reservoirs  and  Sacs  formed  hy  Serous  3Iemhra7ies 
are  in  some  cases,  normally/  or  from  morbid  causes,  the  Seat 
of  Gaseous  Collections. 

"  Everybody  knows  that  certain  fish,  such  as  carp  and  perch, 
are  provided  with  a  reservoir  called  a  swimming-bladder,  placed 
at  the  posterior  part  of  the  visceral  mass.  This  reservoir  con- 
tains an  aeriform  fluid,  which  remains  within  it,  and  distends  it, 
and  thus  serves  divers  purposes  to  the  animal.  It  is  well  known 
that  this  gaseous  fluid  is  not  directly  derived  from  the  lung. 
M.  de  Blainville  assures  us  that  the  swimming-bladder  has  no 
communication  with  the  buccal  cavity.  He  has  never  been 
able  to  empty  it  through  this  passage,  nor  to  force  the  gas  out 
through  the  respiratory  channels.  Indeed,  the  analysis  made 
of  it  by  Messrs.  Rumboldt,  Proven9al,  and  Delaroche,  has 
shown  that  it  is  not  directly  furnished  by  the  air  of  respiration, 
but  must  be  the  product  of  a  particular  secretion. 

"  The  feathers  of  birds  are,  likewise,  another  example  of  air 
reservoirs  having  no  communication  with  the  respiratory  pa.s- 
sages ;  the  air  appearing  to  be  introduced  into  them  through 
absorption,  at  the  period  when  the  gelatinous  matters  disappear, 
which  up  to  that  time  had  filled  the  tubes. 

"  We  know  that  the  air  of  respiration  gains  admission  Into  the 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  53 

osseous  system  of  birds  of  high  flight.  We  also  know  that  in 
insects,  which,  like  birds,  have  need  of  great  specific  lightness, 
.here  exists  plenty  of  air,  brought  by  the  trachea,  and  after- 
wards distributed  through  the  different  parts  of  the  animal,  to 
place  it  in  relation  with  the  molecules  designed  for  its  as- 
similation. 

"  Among  fish,  shell-fish  enjoy  the  faculty,  which  to  them 
proves  a  source  of  health,  of  filling  their  stomachs  with  air,  and 
so  of  considerably  augmenting  the  volume  of  their  body,  and, 
through  an  extension  of  their  skin,  facilitating  the  erection  of 
the  scales  by  which  it  is  covered,  and  which  remain  depressed 
so  long  as  the  skin  continues  in  inaction.  It  is  likewise  the 
atmospheric  air  which  enables  that  frolicsome  animal  known  by 
the  name  of  dolphin  to  render  himself  light  enough  to  swim 
upon  the  surface  of  the  sea.  — Blainville' s  Physiologie  Generale, 

''  Not  even  vegetables  are  without  reservoirs  containing  air. 
Chemists  have  demonstrated  that  it  is  the  fluid  found  in  certain 
plants  of  the  leguminous  family,  that  fills  and  swells  the  peri- 
carp at  the  period  of  maturity  ;  and  Gaspard  has  assured  him- 
self, in  opening  under  water  many  seeds  of  the  same  family, 
regarded  by  physicians  as  full  of  wind,  that  they  contain  in 
their  tissues  a  large  quantity  of  atmospheric  air. 

"In  regard  to  collections  of  gas  within  the  serous  cavities, 
such  as  the  peritoneum,  the  pleura,  and  even  the  pericardium, 
they  are  attributed,  and  with  reason,  to  two  different  sources,  — 
to  the  atmospheric  air,  and  to  an  exhalation  from  these  mem- 
branes. It  is  thus  that  we  account  for  peritoneal  tympanitis 
when  there  exists  no  mechanical  lesion  ;  viz.,  through  the  effect 
of  physiological  operation ;  but  in  a  much  greater  number  of 
cases  they  proceed  from  rupture  of  the  stomach  or  intestine. 

"  Pneumatosis  of  the  pleura  depends,  most  commonly,  upon 
these  two  latter  circumstances,  either  proceeding  from  rupture 
of  some  air-cell  near  the  surface,  as  in  the  case  of  emphysema ; 
or  else  from  the  perforation  of  the  pulmonary  pleura,  as  the 
sequel  of  the  softening  of  the  tubercles  in  communication 
with  the  bronchii.  In  this  last  state,  the  air  proceedhig  from 
5* 


5^  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the   lungs   is    constantly   mingled    with    purulent   and   other 
matters. 

"  (D)    Of  the  Gases  of  the  Mucous  Surfaces  or  Internal 
Tegumentary  Tissues. 

"Although  we  are  assured  of  the  existence  of  gaseous  col- 
lections in  all  organs  lined  with  mucous  membrane,  such  as  the 
Eustachian  pouches,  the  lung,  the  alimentary  canal,  the  uterus, 
and  the  bladder,  it  is  more  particularly  within  the  lungs  and 
alimentary  canal  that  they  are  frequently  observed.  We  give 
the  name  of  pulmonary  emphysema  to  the  collection  of  air 
within  the  lung;  to  that  within  the  alimentary  canal  the  name 
of  abdominal  pneumatosis  or  tympanitis.  As  for  the  Eustachian 
pouches,  it  is  the  same  with  them  as  with  the  air-cells,  it  being 
only  when  their  orifices  are  obstructed  through  some  morbid  con- 
dition that  gaseous  fluids  remain  in  them.  We'  then  find  them 
mingled  with  muco-purulent  matter,  furnished  by  the  lining 
of  the  reservoir,  and  commonly  collected  within  the  reservoir. 

"  In  the  normal  state,  the  stomach  and  intestines  contain  va- 
riable quantities  of  aeriform  fluids ;  and  it  is  their  accumulation 
in  any  considerable  quantity  that  constitutes  the  flatulent  ot 
pneumatose  condition. 

"  Gases  spring  from  various  sources.  Some  are  the  product 
of  an  exhalation  going  on  from  the  free  surface  of  the  lining 
membrane ;  others  are  introduced  through  deglutition  along 
with  the  food,  to  which  they  in  a  manner  adhere  ;  and  there  are 
some  which  are  even  contained  in  the  alimentary  matters,  and 
which  become  disengaged  during  the  process  of  digestion. 

"  The  fact  of  the  exhalation  of  gas  from  the  internal  surface 
of  the  intestine  has  been  placed  beyond  doubt  by  experimenta- 
tion. Messrs.  Majendie  and  Girardin,  having  caused  a  portion 
of  the  intestinal  canal  of  an  animal  to  protrude  from  its  abdo- 
mSn,  containing  nothing,  and  secured  it  with  ligature  before 
and  behind,  they  have  found  shortly  afterwards  the  imprisoned 
portion  of  gut  filled  with  gas  ;  and  all  the  while  the  mucous 
lining  perfectly  healthy.     Bernard  Gaspard,  who  has  made  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CAITI  E.  55 

same  remark,  informs  us  that  this  gaseous  exhalation  is  even 
more  active  than  at  the  time  of  digestion. 

"  It  is  generally  believed  that  this  fluid  is  of  use  in  contin- 
ually presei:ving  the  form  and  dimensions  of  the  intestines. 
If  it  be  true  that  the  body  of  the  foetus  prior  to  birth  does  not 
admit  any  gas  into  the  cells  of  its  tissues,  as  M.  de  Blainville 
has  asserted,  it  is  no  less  certain  that  we  have  witnessed  in  the 
foetus  of  several  animals,  while  as  yet  in  utero,  a  certain  quanti- 
ty of  gas  within  the  intestines.  And  M.  Baumes  (in  his  Traite 
des  3Ialadies  Venteuses),  assures  us  of  having  made  the  same 
remark  in  the  human  foetus  ;  whence  he  concludes  gases  to  be 
a  product  of  exhalation  of  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane. 

"  As  to  the  gaseous  fluids  which  find  their  way  from  without 
into  the  gastro-intestinal  passages,  they  necessarily  derive  their 
source  from  the  atmosphere,  or  from  the  food.  It  is  evident 
that  every  time  men  and  animals  eat  and  drink,  they  must  take 
into  their  alimentary  canals  a  certain  quantity  of  air  mingled 
with  the  saliva.  It  is  likewise  evident  that  the  aliments  them- 
selves introduce  into  the  same  passages  a  certain  quantity  of  at- 
mospheric air,  adhering  to  the  particles  of  food,  or  penetrating 
them  while  under  mastication.  Lastly,  some  aliments  there  ai-e 
which  contain  by  nature,  within  their  interstices,  aeriform  fluids, 
as  the  experiments  of  Gaspard  show.  These  are  especially 
the  vegetables  belonging  to  the  family  legumina  and  crucifera, 
recognized  commonly  as  being  of  a  ventose  nature. 

"  Aliments  of  this  description  introduced  into  the  alimentary 
canal,  into  the  vast  stomachs  of  ruminants,  and  the  capacious 
intestines  of  horses,  give  escape  to  such  an  abundance  of  gas 
that,  through  their  accumulation  and  their  expansion  from  the 
heat  of  the  situation,  they  are  capable  even  of  occasioning 
death  from  the  impediment  they  cause  to  the  respiratory  and 
circulatory  functions.  The  presence  of  gas,  and  its  accumula- 
tion within  the  cavity  of  the  uterus,  in  human  medicine  char- 
acterized by  the  name  of  physometra,  is  most  rare  with  domes- 
tic females.  The  only  cases  in  which  we  have  been  able  to 
trace  the  presence  of  gaseous  fluid  in  this  reservoir  are  those 
named,  mcd  a  propos,  uterine  dropsy.     We  know  that  in  this 


56  NATURE    AND    TKEATMENT    OP" 

sort  of  cases  evacuations  take  place  from  time  to  time  of  muco- 
purulent matters,  which  occasion  remarkable  sounds,  caused  by 
the,  presence  of  gases  found  mixed  with  them,  and  in  which  we 
very  distinctly  detect  air-globules  after  their  escape. 
*'(E.)      Of  Gases  furnished  by  the  Skin. 

"  The  skin  is  also  the  seat  of  the  continual  exhalation  of  gas. 
With  some  animals,  the  frog  especially,  it  is  so  abundant,  ac- 
cording to  Edwards,  that  it  exceeds  that  which  proceeds  in  the 
same  animal  from  the  surface  of  the  lungs.  We  may  be  con- 
vinced of  this  by  placing  the  living  animal  in  water  underneath 
the  glass  of  an  air-pump.  As  soon  as  exhaustion  is  effected, 
there  escapes  a  certain  quantity  of  aeriform  fluid. 

"  The  body  of  a  man  placed  in  a  bath  and  exposed  to  the 
solar  light,  becomes  covered  with  a  multitude  of  aerial  bubbles, 
as  do  the  leaves  of  vegetables  under  certain  circumstances. 

*'  But  M.  de  Blainville  has  remarked  that  we  must  not  con- 
found the  gases  of  the  skin  with  the  matter  of  perspiration  re- 
duced to  the  state  of  vapor  by  the  heat  either  of  the  body  or 
of  the  atmosphere.  Neither  must  we  confound  them  with  the 
atmospheric  air,  of  which  a  thin  layer  reposes  upon,  adherent 
to  the  surface  of  the  skin,  disengaging  itself  in  the  form  of  bub- 
bles whenever  the  body  is  plunged  into  water. 

"  However  it  may  be,  gases  exhaled  from  the  skin  are  never 
retained  upon  its  surface,  like  those  of  the  intestines.  We  have 
no  means  of  obtaining  them  save  through  artificial  means." 

MURRAIN. 

The  husbandmen  in  this  country  have  great  reason  to  re- 
joice that  their  flocks  and  herds  have,  up  to  the  present  period, 
enjoyed  comparative  immunity  from  the  awful  and  devastating 
pest,  or  pests,  simulating  or  known  as  murrain,  which,  since 
the  period  of  the  almost  total  destruction  of  the  Egyptian  cat- 
tle, as  recorded  in  the  "  good  hook,''  has  to  a  certain  extent  pi-e- 
vailed,  more  or  less,  among  the  bovines ;  the  property  of  the 
husbandmen  of  the  old  world. 

During  my  residence  in  this  country   I  have  never  seen    a 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  57 

case  of  pure  murrain  ;  nor  are  the  records  of  the  sudden  de- 
cease of  cattle,  deer,  sheep  or  swine,  as  chronicled  in  the  agri- 
cultural literature  of  the  United  States,  at  all  conclusive  on 
the  subject  of  cattle  pest  —  murrain.  In  view,  therefore,  of 
throwing  a  ray  of  light  on  a  dark  subject,  I  propose  first,  to  con- 
sult authorities.  The  following  article  is  an  extract  from  a 
report  made  by  the  "  Imperial  Agricultural  Society  of  Vienna," 
translated  for  the  London  Times :  — 

"  The  murrain,  termed  also  cattle  plague,  stomach  distemper, 
overbile,  and  putrid  fever,  is  known,  partially,  in  some  districts, 
as  cattle  dysentery,  on  account  of  the  presence  of  alvine  de- 
fluxions,  continued  to  the  end  of  the  disease.  The  contagious 
and  infectious  character  of  the  murrain  is  such,  that  the  dis- 
ease, having  made  its  appearance  in  one  animal,  is  immediately 
communicated  to  all  others  in  its  vicinity  which  are  not,  with- 
out delay,  separated  from  it.  On  the  contrary,  an  animal  which 
has  once  had  the  disease  is  not  liable  to  a  second  attack.  In 
consequence  of  this  contagious  and  infectious  nature  of  mur- 
rain, the  animal  first  attacked  by  it  must  immediately  be  sep- 
arated from  the  healthy  stock ;  it  must  also  have  its  own 
attendant,  and  be  provided  with  its  own  distinct  fodder  and 
drinking  arrangements,  apart  from  the  other  cattle.  Cases, 
indeed,  have  occurred  in  which  healthy  cattle,  tended  by  ser- 
vants who  have  been  in  communication  with  diseased  or  dead 
animals,  sickened  of  the  murrain  in  the  second,  third,  and 
fourth  week.  Also,  the  carcass  should  be  buried  with  the  ex- 
crements ;  and  as  the  skins  of  the  animals  remain  in  a  conta- 
gious and  infectious  state,  they  should,  when  not  also  buried, 
be  steeped  for  a  considerable  time  in  water  and  sprinkled  with 
quick-lime.  In  the  Esurgo  district,  the  carcases  were  indeed 
buried,  but  the  excrements  being  thrown  into  the  dung-pit 
along  with  the  other  manure,  constantly  exposed  to  the  action 
of  the  air,  and  not  allowed  to  come  into  contact  with  the  cattle, 
no  evil  consequences  were  the  result.  The  skins  were  imme- 
diately fetched  away  by  the  leather  dresser,  to  be  at  once  put 
in  hand,  and  steeped  in  lime-water.     The  opinion  that  dogs, 


58  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

cats,  flies,  or  insects  continually  communicate  the  contagion  of 
the  disease  from  one  animal  to  another,  appears  to  be  an  ultra 
idea,  according  to  which,  on  the  outbreak  of  murrain,  no  single 
animal  of  a  district  could  escape,  as  all  insulation  of  the  dis- 
eased from  the  sound  stock  would  be  ineffective  and  fruitless. 
Previously  to  the  introduction  of  healthy  cattle  into  houses 
where  diseased  ones  have. been  kept  up,  the  fodder  racks  and 
mangers,  as  well  as  the  brick  or  plaster  work,  ought  to  be  well 
scoured  with  hot  water ;  and  the  whole  interior  of  the  places, 
with  closed  doors  and  windows,  be  well  fumigated  with  the 
vapor  of  chlorine  ;  produced  in  the  following  manner  :  — 

"  In  iron  pans,  placed  in  several  parts  of  the  cattle-house, 
put  a  tea-spoonful  of  finely  powdered  oxide  of  manganese, 
well  mixed  with  the  same  quantity  of  common  salt,  and  the 
whole  moistened  with  water ;  then  add  oil  of  vitriol  in  small 
quantities.  These  vapors  from  manganese  are  not  only  cheaper 
but  stronger  than  those  produced  by  pouring  oil  of  vitriol  over 
chloride  of  lime.  They  must,  however,  be  employed  with 
moderation,  otherwise  they  will  inflict  injury  on  the  lungs. 
Such  of  the  herdsmen's  clothes,  also,  as  are  not  washed  with 
chloride  of  lime  water,  should  be  fumigated. 

"  For  the  purpose  of  preserving  sound  cattle  from  the  mur- 
rain. Dr.  Pessina  rejects  all  venesections  and  purges,  as  well 
as  all  strong  stimulating  medicines,  and  even  setons.  The  pre- 
servative means,  by  which  the  Esurgo  herds  have  been  so  well 
protected  from  the  murrain,  consists  in  a  separation  of  the 
sound  from  the  diseased  stock,  a  daily  weak  fumigation  of  the 
cattle  houses  with  chlorine,  wholesome  food  and  water,  and  clean 
airy  houses,  rather  cool  than  hot,  and  not  crowded  with  stock. 
In  the  animals  which  died  of  the  disease,  the  fourth  stomach 
and  the  intestines  were  corroded  and  inflamed,  the  gall-bladder 
unusually  large,  and  preternaturally  distended  with  an  accu- 
mulation of  green  watery  bile  ;  the  mass  of  blood  throughout 
the  system  was  in  a  corrupt  confluent  condition  ;  and  in  many 
cases  particular  internal  portions  were  in  a  state  of  decompo- 
sition, all  evincing  an  inflamed,  corroded,  or  mortifying  con- 
dition of  the  body. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  59 

"  The  following  three  conditions  in  the  administration  of 
muriatic  acid  for  the  cure  of  murrain,  are  essential :  — 

"  1.  The  acid  must  be  given  early  at  the  commencement  of 
the  disease,  for  the  farther  the  symptoms  are  advanced,  the 
more  difficult  will  become  the  cure  ;  and  should  internal  mor- 
tification have  already  set  in,  it  will  be  too  late  to  attempt  it. 

"  2.  The  acid  must  be  given  in  strong  doses,  at  short  inter- 
vals of  time,  according  to  the  prescription  about  to  be  recom- 
mended ;  and  the  greater  the  intensity  of  the  murrain,  the 
stronger  the  doses  must  be. 

"  3.  The  acid  must  be  unadulterated,  strong,  and  fuming, 
and  if  of  a  weaker  strength,  it  must  be  given  in  proportionately 
increased  doses. 

"  Dr.  Pessina  recommends  the  iron-impregnated  muriatic 
acid,  in  preference  to  the  simple  acid :  the  former,  however, 
requires  certain  indispensable  conditions  to  be  attended  to  in 
its  admihistration. 

"  SYMPTOMS. 

"  1.  Period  of  Sichening.  —  The  animal  gradually  ceases  to 
chew  the  cud  or  take  food.  It  becomes  melancholy,  languid, 
and  indifferent,  frequently  shaking  its  head,  while  its  ears  and 
horns  become  alternately  hot  and  cold.  The  pulse  is  small  and 
quick  ;  in  many  cases  there  is  a  cough,  the  dung  is  sparing, 
and  usually  dry ;  the  urine  is,  in  all  cases,  turbid  and  reddish 
in  color. 

"2.  Period  of  DevelopmerU.  —  the  fever  and  faintness  in- 
crease ;  the  animal  sinks  into  a  stupid  apathy,  even  in  the  case 
of  those  which  previously  were  the  most  frolicsome  of  the 
herd,  but  which  now  become  insensible  to  objects  around  them, 
and  heedless  to  their  herdsman*s  call.  There  is  frequently  a 
rising  at  the  stomach,  and  rejection  of  its  contents,  the  eyes 
sink  inward,  the  animal  begins  to  shiver,  has  pains  in  th^  under 
part  of  the  body  and  spine,  and  unwillingly  submits  to  have 
the  back  stroked  ;  a  yellow  mucus  commonly  flows  from  the 
nostrils.     The  animal  continues  to  refuse  the  smallest  amount 


60  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

of  food,  and  lies  down  upon  the  straw,  where  it  heaves  and 
snorts,  while  it  breathes  heavily,  quickly  and  painfully. 

"  3.  Period  of  last  Struggle.  — The  respiration  becomes  more 
heavy,  and  the  breath  more  fetid,  very  warm,  and  even  hot. 
The  animal  is  constantly  on  the  stare,  has  often  a  violent  thirst, 
and  groans  much.  The  under  belly  becomes  distended,  and 
then  generally  ensues  billions  watery  secretions  from  the 
bowels,  of  a  very  offensive  character,  and  frequently  tinged 
with  blood,  after  which  the  paunch  collapses.  The  animal 
suffers,  in  general,  from  the  commencement  of  the  disease,  only 
four  or  five  days,  seldom  more  than  six  or  seven,  till  death,  and 
in  the  last  struggle  breathes  or  rattles  in  the  throat,  with  wide- 
set  open  mouth. 

^^Administration  of  Muriatic  Acid.  —  The  fuming,  unadul- 
terated muriatic  acid,  is  at  the  beginning  of  the  disease,  so  cer- 
tain a  remedy,  that  of  twenty  head  of  sick  cattle,  scarcely  one 
is  lost.  Also,  in  the  second  period  of  disease,  more  than  one- 
half  of  them  are  saved.  But  in  the  third  period,  its  use  be- 
comes less  decided,  at  the  same  time  that  many  animals  are 
saved,  even  in  the  last  extremity,  by  the  administration  of 
strong  doses,  and  the  acid  is  found  preferable  to  every  other 
remedy.  Cows  far  gone  in  calf,  can  only  be  cured  in  the  first 
period  of  the  disease.  As  soon,  therefore,  as  the  symptoms  of 
murrain,  in  any  case,  make  their  appearance,  the  cure  must 
immediately  be  attempted.  In  case,  however,  one  or  more  an- 
imals in  the  same  house  have  already  been  attacked,  the  others 
may  be  assumed  to  have  caught  the  disease  as  soon  as  they  lose 
their  appetite  or  cease  to  chew  the  cud,  and  steps  may  be  taken 
with  these  accordingly,  without  waiting  for  further  symptoms. 
The  muriatic  acid  must  be  given  within  short  intervals,  and  in 
strong  doses,  diluted  with  a  proper  quantity  of  water,  a  differ- 
ence being  made  according  to  the  character  of  the  murrain,  the 
degree,  of  disease,  the  violence  of  the  attack,  and  the  strength 
and  age  of  the  animal.  Even  the  season  and  the  state  of  the 
weather  must  be  attended  to,  in  reference  both  to  the  degree 
of  murrain  and  the  curative  influences. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  61 

"The  Esurgo 'farmers,  following  Dr.  Pessina's  prescription, 
gave  a  drench  regularly  every  hour  to  each  sick  animal. 

"  1.  Strong  Oxen.  —  Fifteen  to  twenty  drenches,  each  com- 
posed of  two  quarts  of  water  and  three-quarters  of  an  ounce 
of  muriatic  acid. 

"2.  Strong  Cows.  —  The  same  drenches,  but  with  only- 
half  an  ounce  of  muriatic  acid. 

"3.  Two-year-old  Cattle. — Ten  to  twelve  drenches,  two 
quarts  of  water,  with  half  an  ounce  of  muriatic  acid. 

"4.  Year-old  Calves. —  Eight  to  ten  drenches,  one  quart 
of  water,  with  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  muriatic  acid. 

"5.  Sucking  Calves. —  Eight  to  ten  drenches,  one  pint  of 
water,  with  half  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  the  acid. 

"  These  drenches,  given  neither  cold  nor  hot,  but  in  a  luke- 
warm state,  will  effect  the  whole  cure  of  the  disease,  if  only  at 
its  commencement,  or  not  too  far  gone,  provided  they  be  given 
continuously,  hour  by  hour,  either  through  the  day  or  the  night. 
The  more  ill-conditioned  the  form  of  the  murrain,  the  stronger 
will  the  dose  be  required  to  combat  the  evil. 

"After  administering  the  foregoing  amount  of  drenches, 
nothing  further  is  to  be  given  for  the  succeeding  twenty-four 
hours  than  gruel-drinks,  and  the  more  the  animal  can  then  take 
of  these  the  more  certain  is  their  recovery,  as  an  animal  never 
dies  of  the  disease,  when,  after  the  muriatic  acid  drenches,  it 
begins  to  take  drink." 

The  "  Times^'  also  publishes  letters  from  Mr.  Redcliffe  who 
speaks  of  the  pulmonary  complaint  with  typhoid  symptoms. 
Mr.  Gamgee  describes  the  true  rinderpest — contagious  typhus 
or  murrain  of  the  steppe ;  Dr.  Greenhow  speaks  of  the 
murrain  as  "  lung  disease,"  but  the  probability  is,  that  there  are 
not  three  kinds  of  murrain,  but  three  different  stages  in  which 
it  has  been  seen  by  as  many  different  persons,  at  various  times. 

In  the  early  stage,  it  probably  constitutes  a  catarrhal 
affection  of  the  membrane  lining  the  respiratory  passages, 
accompanied  by  febrile  symptoms,  and  the  usual  prostration 
which  always  occurs  in  diseases  of  epizootic  origin.  By 
proper  treatment  in  this  stage,  —  when  the  lungs  are  not 
6 


62  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Bupposod  to  be  involved,  —  the  disease,  in  many  cases,  miglit  be 
arrested,  but  so  long  as  phyiscians  consider  it  as  an  inflamma- 
tory affection,  and  treat  it  as  such,  by  administering  agents 
which  reduce  the  vitality  of  the  system,  there  is  no  hope 
for  the  patient ;  the  disease  will  run  into  the  typhoid  stage. 
The  treatment  I  recommend  as  the  most  rational,  is  as  follows : 
Let  the  infected  animal  be  removed  from  its  associates,  to  a 
comfortable,  clean  location.  The  body  and  limbs,  if  they  are 
chilly,  should  be  well  rubbed  with  wisps  of  straw,  and  after- 
wards clothed  if  necessary.  The  medicine  to  be  administered 
consists  of,  — 

Balsam  Copaiba, 4  ounces. 

Sweet  Spirits  of  Nitre, 2  ounces. 

Mucilage  of  Gum  Arabic, 12  ounces. 

Tincture  of  Matico, 3  ounces.  Mix. 

Dose.  —  Three  ounces,  morning  and  evening. 

A  superabundant  discharge  of  urine  will  be  the  signal  to 
stop  the  medicine.  The  drink  should  consist  of  warm  mucilage 
of  slippery  elm  ;  and  the  food,  if  the  animal  is  disposed  to  eat, 
should  consist  of  ground  oats,  and  green  vegetables,  if  they  can 
be  obtained. 

When  the  foecal  discharges  become  liquid  and  profuse, 
pulverized  charcoal,  at  the  rat^  of  six  ounces  per  day,  may  be 
given,  at  the  same  time  I  should  offer  the  patient  a  liberal 
supply  of  sliced  carrots ;  I  use  this  vegetable  in  preference  to 
all  others  because  it  contains  an  agent,  capable  of  gelatinizing 
the  contents  of  the  abdominal  viscera;  viz.,  pectec  acid. 

Notwithstanding  the  above  treatment,  should  the  alvine  dis- 
charges continue  liquid  and  profuse,  I  should  give  a  few  doses  of 
infusion  of  bayberry  bark,  and  feed  on  good  hay  and  ground 
oatmeal.  If  the  patient  is  thirsty,  I  should  prescribe  hay-tea 
acidulated  with  lemon-juice,  or  a  few  bruised  cranberries.  If, 
after  the  above  treatment,  a  lung  difficulty,  or  typhoid  symp- 
toms set  in,  there  is  very  little  hope  for  the  animal ;  the 
principles  of  veterinary  theory  and  practice  exercised  with 
the  most  consummate  skill,  may  fail  in  arresting  the  malady  ; 
still,  however  the  animal  should  not  be  sacrificed  until  some 
means  such  as  I  have  recomended  have  been  tried. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  63 

When  the  lungs  become  involved  and  the  disease  is  passing 
into  the  typhoid  stage,  the  symptoms  vary  and  intensify,  as  the 
various  tissues  of  the  body  become  secondarily  affected.  Those 
that  have  paid  the  most  attention  to  the  prevailing  symptoms, 
record  the  following  :  — 

"  The  '  lung  disease,'  combined  with  typhus,  may  be  divided 
into  three  periods.  The  symptoms  of  the  first  period,  during 
which  there  is  no  fever,  are,  —  sadness  and  prostration  of 
strength  ;  second,  drooping  head  and  pendulous  ears ;  third,  eyes 
fixed  without  loss  either  of  lustre  or  of  color  (in  vigorous  animals 
the  eyes  are  often  red  and  fiery,  but  dry)  ;  fourth,  the  skin  of 
the  nostrils  pale,  and  the  inside  of  the  mouth  '  slimy ;'  fifth, 
temperature  of  the  body  low,  with  horns,  ears,  and  feet  cool ; 
sixth,  skin  dry  and  tense  [stretched],  the  hair  lustreless,  rough, 
and  bristly,  and  erected  along  the  spine ;  seventh,  breathing 
difficult.  The  first  period  sometimes  lasts  a  fortnight  or  three 
weeks  ;  the  second,  or  feverish  period  lasts  three  or  four  days. 
The  symptoms  are  those  above  described,  with  feverish  move- 
ments. The  diseased  animal  has  fits  of  shivering,  considerable 
exacerbation  in  the  evening,  and  remission  of*  fever  towards  the 
middle  of  the  day.  After  the  cold,  or  aguish  fits  are  over, 
the  reaction  is  much  less  violent  than  in  other  inflammatory 
complaints.  Each  paroxysm  of  fever  is  accompanied  by  an 
acceleration  of  the  respiration,  which  is  audible,  and  often 
accompanied  by  a  moaning  sound.  The  weakness  and  exhaus- 
tion of  the  animal  are  very  great ;  the  temperature  of  the  ears, 
horns,  and  legs  change  continually  —  now  warm  and  now  cold,; 
the  skin  is  dry  and  rough,  and  looks  as  if  dust  were  strewn  on 
it ;  the  hair  is  erect,  and  the  eyes  which  are  opened  wide,  are 
projecting,  dry,  shining,  and  fixed.  The  pupil  is  dilated.  The 
nostrils  are  covered  with  a  slimy  secretion,  which  the  suffering 
animal  removes  with  its  tongue ;  the  teeth  are  loose  ;  the  loins 
are  so  sensitive  that  the  pressure  of  the  hand  cannot  be  borne 
without  shrinking,  and  the  pain  in  the  chest  increases.  The 
animal  lies  down  but  seldom,  and  when  it  does  so,  it  is  on  the 
side  on  which  the  lung  is  affected.     If  both  lungs  are  diseased, 


64  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the  animal  rests  on  its  breast-bone,  with  its  legs  under  its  body; 
and  its  head  and  neck  stretched  out.  The  alvine  secretion  is  often 
either  entirely  suppressed,  or  very  scanty.  The  urine  is  dark  in 
color,  and  pungent  in  smell.  During  the  third  period,  which  com- 
monly ends  in  death,  the  uneasiness  and  agitation  of  the  animal 
are  extreme.  It  continually  changes  its  position,  and  draws  back 
from  the  crib  to  the  length  of  its  tether.  The  eyes  sink  and 
become  glazed,  and  the  lids  fall,  as  if  the  animal  were  about  to 
sleep.  The  horns,  ears,  and  nose  are  cold  ;  the  mouth  is  filled 
with  offensive  phlegm  and  saliva,  and  an  ill-colored  secretion 
flows  from  the  nostrils.  The  animal  gnashes  its  teeth,  which 
are  loose  and  shaky,  the  hair  becomes  more  and  more  bristly, 
and  the  emaciation  is  rapid.  At  this  period  of  the  disease  the 
pulse  is  often  above  one  hundred  a  minute." 

Treatment  of  Murrain  when  the  lungs  are  involved.  —  I  should 
give  about  two  drachms  of  aromatic  tincture  of  sulphuric  acid 
in  a  pint  of  water,  every  three  hours ;  the  whole  of  the  back, 
and  region  of  the  chest  is  to  be  well  rubbed  with  a  portion 
of  oil  of  cedar,  and  linseed  oil  —  equal  parts.  Should  the 
animal  rapidly  lose  strength,  tonic  remedies  must  be  employed ; 
two  drachms  of  goldenseal  and  one  of  ginger,  may  be  given 
thrice,  in  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours.  If  it  be  necessary 
to  evacuate  the  contents  of  the  rectum,  I  should  throw  in 
occasional  clysters ;  composed  of  two  quarts  of  water,  three 
ounces  of  table  salt,  and  one  ounce  of  goldenseal. 

In  the  typhoid  stage,  the  following  medicine  should  be 
given :  — 

Powdered  Charcoal, 12  ounces. 

"        Sulphur, , 2  ounces. 

"        Goldenseal, 3  ounces. 

Tahle  Salt, 6  ounces.    Mix. 

Divide  the  mass  into  six  equal  parts,  one  of  which  is  to 
be  given  every  four  hours,  in  a  pint  of  milk.  The  back 
and  regions  of  the  chest  are  to  be  rubbed  occasionally  with 
tincture  of  capiscum.  If  the  patient  has  a  troublesome  cough, 
a  mucilagenous  drink  of  slippery  elm  should  be  given. 
Should  an  improvement  take  place,  the  quantity  of  medicine  i.s 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  G5 

to  be  reduced,  and  finally  suspended  altogether.  If  on  the 
contrary  the  animal  grows  worse  it  should  be  slaughtered  and 
buried. 

ON  VENTILATION. 

Pare  air  is  one  of  the  forces  of  nature,  ifi  constant  operation, 
to  preserve  the  integrity  of  animal  life  ;  therefore,  impure  air 
must  necessarily  occasion  various  forms  of  disease. 

In  the  course  of  fourteen  years'  practice,  the  author  of  this 
work  has  had  ample  opportunities  of  investigating  the  causes 
of  disease,  and  has  satisfied  himself,  beyond  a  reasonable  doubt, 
that  a  very  great  proportion  of  the  diseases  occurring  among 
live  stock,  owe  their  origin,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  to  a 
vitiated  atmosphere ;  and  that  other  maladies,  having  various 
origins,  are  aggravated,  and  restoration  is  often  tardy,  sometimes 
impossible,  in  consequence  of  the  morbid  action  of  impure  air. 

The  author's  intention,  in  offering  the  following  article,  is  lo 
benefit  both  the  superior  and  inferior  orders  of  creation  ;  hence 
the  attention  of  the  reader  is  craved  to  some  matters  which  do 
not  directly  apply  to  cattle,  yet  may  prove  of  great  value  to 
owners  of  the  same.  A  pure  atmosphere  is  the  "  breath  of 
life." 

The  science  of  ventilation  has  never  received  that  attention 
which  its  importance  to  the  well-being  of  man,  and  the  welfare 
of  the  inferior  orders  of  creation  demands  ;  in  fact,  everybody 
professes  to  be  somewhat  acquainted  with  the  wants  of  the  ani- 
mal economy,  as  regards  food,  fluids,  rest,  and  exercise,  yet,  in 
reference  to  the  necessary  amount  of  aerial  food,  —  the  breath 
of  life,  —  very  few  persons  ever  give  the  subject  more  than  a 
passing  thought.  A  pure  and  uncontaminated  atmosphere  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  physiological  respiration  ;  any  devia- 
tion from  purity  (whether  the  man  or  animal  be  diseased  or 
not),  is  sure,  sooner  or  later,  to  end  in  ill  health.  A  cow,  or, 
indeed,  any  other  animal,  can  survive  the  deprivation  of  both 
food  and  water  for  many  days,  without  incurring  any  thing  like 
the  same  amount  of  danger  encountered  when  breathing,  for  a 
6* 


66  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

few  hours  only,  a  contaminated  atmosphere,  such,  for  example, 
as  pervades  swill  milk  est-ablishments,  and  filthy  barns,  where 
the  principles  of  both  ventilation  and  cleanliness  are  almost  en- 
tirely disregarded. 

The  object  of  ventilation  is  to  secure  a  current  of  pure-  air 
at  all  times,  by  which  means  the  vitiated  is  replaced,  and  a 
constant  supply  of  the  pure  material  is  kept  up.  This  neutralizes 
the  morbid  effects  which  follow  the  re-respiration  of  a  pent-up 
atmosphere. 

Pure  air  is  that  immense  mass  of  elastic  fluid  which  sur- 
rounds the  globe  we  inhabit.  It  is  capable  of  varying  its  di- 
mensions under  the  influence  of  heat  and  cold ;  heat  expands 
or  rarities  it,  and  cold  contracts  or  condenses  it.  It  is  trans- 
parent, so  as  to  be  invisible,  except  by  the  blue  color  it  reflects 
when  in  large  mass,  as  seen  in  the  regions  of  space.  It  is 
without  odor,  except  that  of  electricity,  which  it  very  frequently 
manifests,  and,  like  other  gases,  it  is  capable  of  holding  in  so- 
lution, or  receiving  an  admixture  of  vapor.  For  example,  it 
absorbs  water  in  considerable  quantities,  without  decrease  in  its 
own  specific  gravity ;  it  is  supposed,  however,  that  the  air  sus- 
pends vapor,  not  really  by  absorption,  but  by  separating  its  par- 
ticles, and  thus  preventing  their  condensation. 

Pure  air  almost  always  contains  vapor;  for  the  rain  and 
dew,  which  attract  our  attention,  as  well  as  the  clouds  and  fogs, 
all  deposit  moisture,  and  even  when  the  atmosphere  appears 
perfectly  transparent,  water  can  be  extracted  from  it.  The 
usual  process  of  demonstration  is  as  follows  :  Take  one  ounce 
of  sulphuric  acid  (which  has  an  extraordinary  affinity  for  water, 
more  than  any  other  acid),  and  expose  it  in  a  shallow  vessel, 
subject  to  the  free  action  of  pure  air,  and  in  a  short  time  it  is 
converted  into  a  dilute  acid ;  its  weif^rht  havin^j  increased  in  the 
ratio  of  one  hundred  per  cent.  The  vapor  or  water,  thus 
absorbed,  can  again  be  separated  by  distillation,  showing  con- 
clusively that  watery  vapor  is  always  present  in  pure  air. 
Everybody  knows  that  iron  and  steel,  when  exposed  to  the  atmos- 
phere, will  corrode  ;  that  lime  will  slake  ;  salt  and  sugar  will 
imbibe    moisture  ;  consequently  the   theory  needs   no    further 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  67 

illustration.  Water  seems  to  be  almost  as  essential  for  the  pur- 
poses of  respiration  as  that  of  nutrition ;  and  when  we  realize 
the  fact,  that  the  animal  frame  is  composed  of  75  per  cent  of 
water  ;  that  three -fourths  of  the  wondrous  and  complicated 
mechanism  of  man  and  his  congeneric  flocks  and  herds  is  com- 
posed of  the  "  dew-drops ;"  that  the  vital  current  which  courses 
the  arteries  of  each,  and  gives  vitality,  health,  and  beauty  to 
the  animal  mechanism,  is  in  the  same  ratio,  we  must  come 
to  the  conclusion  that  water  plays  a  very  essential  part  in  the 
animal  economy,  both  as  regards  respiration  and  nutrition. 

Chemistry  has  demonstrated  that  'pure  air,  which  I  contend 
is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  physiological  respira- 
tion, is  not  composed  of  a  single  element,  as  some  suppose,  but 
is  a  unity  of  three  gases,  termed  oxygen,  nitrogen,  and  carbonic 
acid.  These  unite  in  the  following  equivalents  :  Oxygen,  21 
per  cent ;  nitrogen,  75  p.er  cent ;  carbonic  acid,  one  per  cent. 
These  equivalents  are  persistent ;  they  never  unite  in  any  other 
form ;  hence  we  know,  from  inductive  evidence,  that  the  ele- 
mentary basis  of  a  pure  atmosphere  rests  on  the  above  propo- 
sition, so  that  the  elementary  constituents  of  pure  air  are  the 
same  all  over  the  world. 

Oxygen.  —  This  gas  does  not  exist  in  a  free  state,  but  in  com- 
bination, it  is  universally  dispersed  throughout  nature.  It  unites 
with  light  and  heat,  as  well  as  air,  and  to  bodies  in  a  state  of 
combustion,  and  so  intense  is  its  own  caloric  power,  that  if  it 
could  be  set  free  throughout  nature,  a  universal  conflagration 
might  be  expected ;  the  hardest  rocks  w^ould  crumble  to  dust, 
and  even  the  diamond,  considered  as  indestructible,  would  melt 
as  with  "  fervent  heat."  This  gas  has  neither  taste  nor  odor, 
and  like  common  air  is  capable  of  indefinite  expansion  and 
compression.  It  is  indispensable  to  respiration,  and  generates 
animal  heat. 

The  estimated  weight  of  oxygen  respired  by  a  healthy  man 
in  24  hours,  is  2  1-4  pounds.  This,  in  a  gaseous  state,  occupies 
a  volume  of  48,000  cubic  inches.  It  unites  with  the  carbon  of, 
the  blood,  and  in  the  course  of  24  hours  liberates  from  the  lungs 
48,000  cubic  inches  of  carbonic  acid  jras. 


68  THE    NATURE    AND"  TREATMENT    OF 

Having  briefly  alluded  to  the  use  and  properties  of  oxyge^. 
nitrogen  next  engages  our  attention. 

Nitrogen.  —  This  gas  possesses  all  the  physical  properties 
of  common  air.  It  is  distinguished  for  its  repugnance  to  enter 
into  chemical  combinations.  Its  principal  use  seems  to  be,  to 
neutralize  the  effect  which  might  result  from  the  action  of 
pure  oxygen  on  the  animal  tissues.  It  is  a  non-supporter  of 
vitality,  yet  there  appears  to  be  a  continual  absorption  of  it  by 
the  blood.  In  fact,  the  blood,  and  all  the  organized  tissues 
contain  about  17  per  cent  of  nitrogen. 

Carbonic  Acid  Gas.  —  This  gas  is  supposed  to  possess 
greater  density  than  common  air,  and  therefore  is  generally 
found  to  occupy  a  space  next  the  earth,  or  floors  of  un venti- 
lated stables  and  dwelling  houses,  or  such  situations  as  contain 
the  materials,  which  generate  it  by  decomposition.  The  miners 
have  given  it  the  name  of  "  choke  damp."  It  is  often  present 
in  the  stomach  and  intestines  of  animals,  generated  by  putre- 
faction, and  often  causes  death  by  distension.  It  is  an  invisi- 
ble fluid,  of  pungent  odor. 

Some  persons  are  disposed  to  believe  that  carbonic  acid  gas 
is  so  dense  as  to  occupy  no  other  space  than  beneath  the  com- 
mon atmosphere,  in  close  proximity  with  the  earth,  and  floors 
of  cellars  and  stables.  This  is  not  the  case,  for  it  has  been 
discovered  at  the  greatest  heights  which  the  industry  of  man 
has  been  able  to  penetrate.  Saussure  found  this  gas  at  the 
summit  of  Mount  Blanc,  a  point  of  the  earth  mantled  with 
perpetual  snow ;  and  Ilumbolt  has  recently  demonstrated  the 
presence  of  this  gas,  in  air  brought  by  M.  Garnerin,  from  a 
height  not  less  than  4,280  feH3t  above  the  earth's  surface,  to 
which  height  he  had  arisen  in  an  air  balloon.  From  these 
facts  we  are  led  to  infer  that,  notwithstanding  the  current 
opinion  regarding  the  great  density  of  carbonic  acid  gas  and 
tlie  aflinity  that  seems  to  exist  between  it  and  the  earth's  sur- 
face, it  must  enter  into  combination  with  the  atmosphere,  there- 
fore is  chemically  combined,  or  artificially  mixed,  with  the 
same.     The  following  anecdote  settles  the  point :  — 

Not  long  ago  the  king  of  Naples  had  a  very  fine  elephant 


THE  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  69 

of  enormous  proportions,  who,  in  a  fit  of  rage,  killed  his 
keeper.  The  king  ordered  a  charcoal  fire  to  be  kindled  in  the 
den  of  the  enraged  animal,  by  which  means  a  large  quantity 
of  carbonic  acid  gas  was  generated,  and  the  monarch  of  the 
world  soon  "  bit  the  dust."  This  is  the  mode  by  which  car- 
bonic acid  gas  is  artificially  mixed  with  air. 

Carbonic  acid  gas,  like  many  other  deleterious  v&pors,  has,  in 
my  opinion,  less  affinity  for  pure  than  impure  air,  hence,  in  order 
to  render  them  wholly  innocuous,  we  have  only  to  secure  a 
uniform  current  of  air  w^ithin  the  barn  and  stable. 

The  atmosphere  of  a  crowded  barn  or  stable,  is  rendered 
unfit  for  respiration  in  various  ways  ;  1st,  by  non-ventilation; 
2d,  by  the  cutaneous  exhalation  ;  3d,  by  re-respiration  of  air 
not  purified ;  4th,  by  emanations  from  the  excrements. 

In  our  crowded  cities,  where  land,  comparatively  speaking, 
is  w^orth  its  weight  in  gold,  it  is  impossible  to  institute  complete 
sanitary  regulations ;  yet,  we  have  an  "  anchor  of  hope,''  in 
view  of  preserving  the  health  of  the  habitats  of  these  "  dis- 
mal swamps,"  by  a  system  of  thorough  ventilation. 

Carbonic  acid  gas  is  formed  at  the  expense  of  the  oxygen 
of  a  given  atmosphere,  and  under  certain  circumstances  is 
again  decomposed  and  forms  oxygen  gas.  In  view  of  illus- 
trating this  point,  I  introduce  the  record  of  an  experiment 
made  by  a  French  chemist.  He  mixed  twenty  cubic  feet  of  car- 
bonic acid  gas  with  the  atmosphere  of  an  air-tight  room,  and 
yet,  strange  to  relate,  thirty-five  minutes  afterwards  he  could 
not  discover  the  least  trace  of  the  same. 

It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  the  intent  of  nature  is  to  estab- 
lish an  equilibrium  between  the  above  processes;  that  is  to 
say,  all  the  carbonic  acid  gas  formed  by  combustion  in  the 
lungs  of  animals  is  decomposed,  and  results  in  oxygen.  This 
is  in  accordance  with  the  economical  law  of  nature,  which  never 
suffers  any  thing  to  be  wasted. 

The  process  of  pulmonary  combustion  in  the  lungs  is  some- 
what analogous  to  the  consumption  of  charcoal  in  a  stove.  The 
lungs  may  be  compared  to  the  stove.  Carbon,  or  charcoal,  is 
furnished  by  venous  blood.     The  oxygen  which  is  necessary  to 


70  THE  NATURE  AND  TEEATMENT  OF 

insure  combustion  in  the  lungs,  passes  through  the  delicate 
lining  texture  of  the  pulmonary  cells,  exhausts  the  carbon  and 
eliminates  carbonic  acid  gas.  The  venous  blood  is  thus  de- 
prived of  its  defiling  elements  and  becomes  oxygenized  — 
acquires  an  arterial  hue.  This  is  precisely  what  takes  place 
in  the  common  stove  when  charcoal  is  used  as  fuel.  Charcoal 
in  ij;s  crude  state  may  be  compared  to  venous  blood,  unfit  to 
impart  heat  or  vitality,  until  ignited  or  brought  in  contact  with 
oxygen,  then  carbonic  acid  gas  is  evolved.  The  burning  car- 
bon acquires  a  red  appearance,  like  arterial  blood,  radiating 
its  life  principle,  oxygen,  to  surrounding  bodies,  while  its  dele- 
terious properties,  like  those  evolved  from  the  lungs,  mingle 
M'ith  the  atmosphere  and  render  it  unfit  for  the  purpose  of  res- 
piration. Here  lies  the  "  ^awe ;"  the  " antidote  "  is  simple  — 
consisting  of  nothing  more  than  pure  air. 

Now,  suppose  for  example,  we  rate  the  number  of  res- 
pirations in  a  healthy  horse  at  17  per  minute,  and  the  con- 
sumption of  air  every  time  the  lungs  are  inflated,  at  80  inches ; 
it  requires  1360  cubic  inches  of  air  to  vitalize  the  blood.  So 
that  in  the  course  of  an  hour  one  pair  of  lungs  will,  at  this  low 
estimate,  vitiate  an  immense  volume  of  atmospheric  air. 

The  fatal  effects  of  breathing  such  an  objectionable  atmos- 
pliere,  as  is  too  often  found  within  our  barns  and  stables,  may  be 
made  the  subject  of  a  very  simple  yet  convincing  experiment. 
Take,  for  example,  a  glass  jar  of  about  two  quarts,  capacity, 
turn  it  mouth  downwards,  and  place  within  it  a  live  bird  or 
mouse.  At  fii-st  the  imprisoned  animal  experiences  little  in- 
convenience, but  in  proportion  as  the  consumption  of  oxygen 
and  liberation  of  carbonic  acid  gas  proceeds,  the  creature 
begins  to  show  symptoms  of  uneasiness  ;  the  respirations  be- 
come accelerated,  and  in  the  course  of  a  short  time  it  dies  as 
if  drowned  or  strangulated.  Now  it  requires  no  great  stretch 
of  the  imagination  to  liken  a  tight  barn  or  stable,  having 
nc  provision  for  the  exit  of  impure  nor  admission  of  pure 
air,  to  the  glass  jar ;  the  air-tight  barn  is  to  the  cow,  just  what 
tlie  jar  proves  to  be  to  the  bird  or  mouse.  The  latter  die 
quicker,  and  thus  endeth  their  siuTerings;  but  the  poor  swill- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  71 

stable  cow  has  to  linger  and  die  by  inches.  It  must  be  evident 
therefore,  that  if  the  results  following  an  extreme  vitiation  of 
a  local  atmosphere  be  so  destructive,  then  those  arising  from 
every  minor  degree,  are  no  less  certain,  ultimately,  to  impair 
an  animal's  health. 

The  most  important  matter  to  be  borne  in  mind,  whatever 
mode  of  ventilation  we  adopt,  is,  'air  once  respired  should  not 
again  come  within  the  sphere  of  respiration^  but  should  be  made 
to  pass  off,  or  be  replenished  with  a  fresh  supply  introduced 
into  the  stable  by  a  steady  current.  In  a  ventilated  stable,  we 
find  that  the  air  which  has  just  been  expired,  is  lighter  than 
the  surrounding  medium,  consequently  ascends,  and  before  a 
second  inspiration  commences,  the  impure  air  is  out  of  reach 
of  the  nostrils. 

In  order  to  secure  a  current  of  pure  air,  it  is  only  necessary 
to  make  openings  in  the  ceiling,  introduce  square  or  circular 
chimneys  with  caps,  and  make  provision  for  the  admission  of 
pure  air  in  the  vicinity  of  the  floor,  which  can  be  done  by  cut- 
ting square  holes  in  the  wall,  and  inserting  into  them  a  wooden 
frame,  covered  on  the  outside  with  a  wire  grating.  A  harness 
room  or  stable  office  may  be  ventilated  by  making  a  circular 
hole  into  a  disused  chimney,  the  upper  edge  of  the  hole  being 
on  a  level  with  the  ceiling ;  the  foul  air  naturally  ascends, 
and  having  the  benefit  of  the  draught  of  the  chimney,  is 
readily  carried  upwards  ;  fresh  air  is  admitted  through  the 
doorway  in  summer,  and  beneath  it  in  winter,  so  that  it  is  an 
easy  matter  to  get  rid  of  the  unpleasant  atmosphere,  which  al- 
most invariably  pervades  such  places,  and  with  which  arrange- 
ment so  many  persons  who  labor  in,  and  visit  the  same,  have 
occasion  to  find  fault. 

Prof.  Wyman,  in  his  work  on  ventilation,  informs  us  that 
this  simple  plan  of  ventilation,  is  carried  out  in  two  of  the 
largest  printing  establishments  in  the  city  of  London,  in  which, 
for  several  years  previous,  the  workmen  employed  had  been 
exposed  to  the  full  influence  of  vitiated  air,  which  was  so  sick- 
ening and  oppressive  (just  like  that  of  some  harness  rooms), 
that  they  were  continually  the  subject  of  disease,  hut   so  soon 


72  THE  NATCRE  AND  TREATMENT  OK 

as  this  simple  plan  of  ventilation  was  adopted,  the  health  of 
the  men  improved. 

Vitiated  air,  under  the  above  conditions,  has  an  upward  ten- 
dency, still  if  we  wish  to  diverge  from  the  common  mode,  we 
can  give  it  a  downward  current,  and  thus  effectually  prevent  all 
expired  air  from  again  re-entering  the  pulmonary  cells.  The 
act  of  expiration,  through  the  nasal  cavities  of  cattle,  is  in  a 
downward  direction,  and  a  current  in  this  direction  can  be  se- 
cured when  sufficient  spaces  near  the  ceiling  are  left  open. 
This  plan  was  adopted  by  Mr.  Bigelow,  in  the  construction  of 
a  barn  and  stable  at  West  Cambridge.  It  is  so  constructed 
that  a  current  of  pure  air  free  from  dust,  is  admitted  under  the 
eaves  all  round  the  building,  and  there  are  loopholes  in  various 
parts  within  a  few  feet  of  the  floor ;  these  are  furnished  with 
slides,  which  serve  as  regulators  of  the  temperature  of  the  at- 
mosphere within.  To  insure  a  free  downward  current,  it  is 
only  necessary  to  open  the  slides,  and  if  a  still  ptirer  and  cooler 
atmosphere  is  desirable  the  doors  may  be  opened  also.  A 
warm  atmosphere  is  secured  by  closing  the  slides  and  doors, 
for  then  the  current  of  air  is  interrupted. 

The  only  advantage,  however,  of  this  mode  of  ventilation 
over  the  ordinary  one  which  insures  an  upward  current,  is,  the 
air  reaches  the  lungs  uncontaminated  by  dust,  or  the  exhalent 
vapors  of  the  body. 

In  some  stables  in  this  city  we  observe  a  large  hole  in  a 
partition,  or  wall,  right  in  the  face  and  eyes  of  the  animal. 
This,  in  most  cases,  is  objectionable,  for,  should  the  horse  face 
to  the  eastward,  he  has  to  contend  against  the  acknowledged 
depressing  influence  of  an  east  wind,  and  facing  otherways  he 
may  encounter  dust,  vapor  and  rain.  In  view  of  all  the  facts 
connected  with  the  subject  of  ventilation,  I  contend  that  the 
theory  of  an  upward  current  is  the  most  feasible  and  econom- 
ical. This  was  the  opinion  of  Sir  Humphrey  Davy,  who,  in  a 
letter  to  Lord  Liverpool,  in  the  year  1811,  proposed  to  venti- 
late the  House  of  Lords.  His  plan  was  (and  it  is  suggestive 
to  those  about  building  new  barns  and  stables),  to  construct 
Jiues,iir)(\  admit  fresh  air  by  numerous  openings  in,  or  near,  'he 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  78 

floor.  This  plan  is  a  simple  one,  and  the  great  chemist  real- 
ized that  all  the  operations  of  nature  in  this  direction  were  con- 
ducted on  an  apparently  grand,  yet  simple  scheme,  that  of  mo- 
tion. He  contemplated  the  benefits  derived  from  the  gentle 
zephyr,  and  the  more  refreshing  breeze,  and  periodical  currents 
of  wind  from  region  to  region,  and  he  was  led  to  exclaim,  that 
a  fixed  atmosphere,  or  one  without  motion,  was  the  bane  of  vi- 
tality. Hence  we  are  to  understand  that  in  order  to  purify 
the  atmosphere  of  our  dwellings,  houses,  barns,  and  stables,  we 
must  give  it  motion,  for  without  motion,  it  will  become  filthy, 
like  a  puddle  of  stagnant  water.  The  world's  progress  and 
man's  ambition  have  rendered  the  means  of  ventilation  more 
complicated  and  costly,  yet  the  principles  are  the  same  and 
ever  will  be. 

I  contend  that  every  dollar  spent  in  insuring  a  thorough  sys- 
tem of  ventilation  in  barns  and  stables,  '''"pays ; "  it  is  an  in- 
vestment which  tends  to  keep  animals  healthy,  for  it  is  a 
bulwark  of  defence  against  many  forms  of  pulmonary  diseases : 
it  keeps  the  battle  and  spontaneous  pneumonia  separate :  it 
curtails  doctors'  bills,  and  puts  a  stop  to  the  barbarisms  known 
as  horn-boring  and  tail-docking,  and  at  the  same  time,  should 
the  cow  have  an  accidental  cough,  pure,  cool  air,  is  the  best 
cough  medicine  in  the  world,  and  as  it  costs  but  little,  it  is 
worth  a  fair  trial. 

I  intimated  at  the  commencement  of  this  article  that  my 
intentions  were  to  offer  some  suggestions,  which  might,  possibly, 
benefit  the  husbandman,  —  the  autocrat  of  th^  destinies  of  the 
domesticated  animal,  —  and  in  view  of  accomplishing  some 
good  in  this  direction,  with  an  intention  of  showing,  to  a  certain 
extent,  how  a  sound  mind  can  be  secured  in  a  healthy  consti- 
tution, I  crave  the  reader's  indulgence  while  I  introduce  a  few 
paragraphs,  rather  foreign  to  cattle  practice. 

A  house,  barn,  or  stable,  not  ventilated  should  be  considered 
as  untenantable  as  the  notorious  "  Hack  hole  "  of  Calcutta ;  no 
intelligent,  hard-worked,  over-burdened,  or  over-milked  ani- 
mal should  ever  be  permitted  to  drag  out  a  miserable  existence 
in  a  fashionable  air-tight  swamp ;  which,  however,  might  an- 
7 


74  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

swer  as  a  depot  for  the  deposit  of  exotic  vegetation,  their 
fragrance  and  beauty  depending  more  on  the  absorption  of 
nitrogen  and  carbonic  acid  gases  ;  but  it  is  a  great  mistake  to 
comoel  the  precious  buds  of  our  race  to  respire  the  noxious 
vapors  of  an  air-tight  dwelling,  for  instead  of  promoting  health, 
strength,  beauty  of  form,  and  soundness  of  intellect,  we  are 
adopting  the  sure  means  to  produce  a  reverse  effect. 

Parents  look  on,  and  in  agony  witness  the  sufferings  of  their 
loved  ones  just  on  the  verge  of  an  early  grave ;  they  observe 
the  mandate  of  death  written  in  unmistakable  characters  on  the 
pale  cheek  and  attenuated  form  of  their  "  idols,''  and  they  can 
also,  with  what  some  persons  have  termed  "  Christian  fortitude," 
submit  to  the  irreparable  losses  which  are  constantly  occurring, 
under  a  false  conviction  that  it  is  the  "  dispensation  of  a  wise 
Providence  ; "  but  we  seriously  urge  such  persons  to  abandon 
this  injurious  doctrine,  and  inquire  of  themselves  if  they  have 
fulfilled  the  obligations  which  the  laws  of  physiology  impose  on 
all ;  and  if  they  have  failed  to  perform  their  duty  in  this  matter, 
what  hath  Providence  to  do  with  it  ?  "  God  helps  those  who 
help  themselves ; "  hence,  if  people  trifle  with  vitality,  and 
prove  recreant  to  the  laws  of  their  being,  they  must  expect  to 
suffer.  The  so-called  "  dispensations  of  Providence "  are 
nothing  more  than  the  results  of  our  own  ignorance  and  failures, 
to  perform  necessary  duties  (see  article  on  breeding).  Long 
life,  when  not  hereditary,  is  the  result  of  an  intelligent  use  of 
the  various  organs  and  functions  of  the  body,  by  keeping  every 
one  of  them  in  as  perfect  a  state  as  possible,  we  promote  health, 
secure  length  of  days,  and  thus  guard  against  unnecessary 
diseases,  and  premature  deaths.  It  is  a  matter  of  importance, 
therefore,  that  every  house  and  sleeping  apartment  should  be 
thoroughly  ventilated,  and  parents  should  see,  as  a  matter  of 
duty  incumbent  on  them,  that  their  tender  buds  of  promise  are 
bountifully  supplied  with  the  "  breath  of  life  "  —  a  pure  atmos- 
phere. A  celebrated  physiologist  propounded  the  following 
grave  question  :  "  Can  any  thing  be  imagined  more  at  vari- 
ance with  the  fundamental  laws  of  life  than  the  repeated 
respiration  of  a   local   atmosphere,   where   the    principles   of 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  75 

ventilation  Lave  been  entirely  disregarded?  In  this  respect 
some  of  our  citizens  are  more  humane  to  the  inferior  orders  of 
creation,  for  in  the  conftruction  of  some  of  their  stables  they 
have  inaugurated  a  thorough  system  of  ventilation." 

An  impure  atmosphere  not  only  interrupts  the  normal  action 
of  the  lungs,  but  in  a  majority  of  cases  the  digestive  organs 
become  first  affected.  Medical  men  endorse  the  fact  that 
dyspeptic  symptoms  are  the  first  indications  of  disease  germi- 
nated in  an  impure  atmosphere,  and  that  the  lungs  suffer  only 
after  the  digestive  system  has  been  for  a  time  disordered.  It  is 
physiologically  impossible  for  human  beings  in  a  sound  and 
healthy  state  of  body  and  mind  to  exist  in  the  midst  of  a  close, 
ill-ventilated  atmosphere.  An  individual  possessing  a  strong 
constitution  may  withstand  the  bad  consequences  of  occasionally 
breathing  an  impure  atmosphere,  but  even  he  will  suffer  for  a 
time. 

"  A  healthy  man  will  not  experience  the  same  amount  of 
mischief  in  the  respiration  of  impure  air  as  the  invalid,  but  will 
be  perfectly  conscious  of  a  temporary  feeling  of  discomfort,  the 
very  purpose  of  which  is,  like  pain  from  a  burn,  to  impel  him 
to  shun  the  danger,  and  seek  relief  in  a  purer  air.  The  com- 
parative harmlessness  of  a  single  exposure  is  the  circumstance 
■which  blinds  us  to  the  magnitude  of  the  ultimate  result,  and 
makes  us  fancy  ourselves  safe  and  prudent  when  every  day  is 
surely,  though  imperceptibly,  adding  to  the  sum  of  the  mischief. 
But  let  any  one  who  doubts  the  importance  of  this  condition  of 
health,  watch  the  dyspeptic,  the  pulmonary,  or  the  nervous 
invalid,  through  a  season  devoted  to  attendance  on  crowded 
parties  and  public  amusements,  and  he  will  find  the  frequency 
of  headaches,  colds,  and  other  fits  of  illness,  increase  in  exact 
proportion  to  the  accumulated  exposure,  till,  at  the  end  of  spring, 
a  general  debility  has  been  induced,  which  imperatively 
demands  a  cessation  of  festivity,  and  a  change  of  scene  and  air. 
This  debility  is  often  erroneously  ascribed  to  the  unwholesome 
influence  of  spring, — a  season  extolled  by  the  poets,  not  as  a 
cause  of  relaxation  and  feebleness,  but  as  the  dispenser  of 
renovated  life  and  vigor  to  all  created  beings." 


76  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

The  effects  of  impure  air  are  more  strikingly  manifested  in 
infancy.  A  few  facts  will  illustrate  this :  About  a  century  ago, 
the  workhouses  of  London  presented  thtf  awful  result  of  twenty- 
three  deaths  in  every  twenty-four  infants  under  the  age  of  one 
year  ;  and  this  frightful  devastation  was  allowed  as  beyond  the 
reach  of  human  remedy.  But  finally  the  buildings  were 
ventilated,  and  a  better  system  of  management  adopted,  and  the 
deaths  were  speedily  reduced  from  twenty-six  hundred  to  four 
hundred  and  fifty  per  annum.  Here,  then,  was  a  total  of  two 
thousand  one  hundred  and  fifty  deaths  occurring  yearly  in  a 
single  institution,  chargeable,  not  on  Providence,  but  against  the 
ignorance,  indifference  and  cruelty  of  man.  At  the  end  of  the 
last  century,  during  the  space  of  twenty-one  years,  out  of  ten 
thousand  two  hundred  and  seventy-two  sick  children  sent  to 
the  Infirmary,  only  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  twelve 
recovered.  Deficient  ventilation  was  not  the  only  cause,  but  it 
was  one  of  the  chief  causes  of  the  dire  calamity.  And  even  now, 
in  this  country,  it  is  said  that  every  tenth  infant  perishes  within 
a  month  of  its  birth.  Striking  as  these  facts  are,  and  others 
which  I  could  quote,  many  are  still  blind  to  the  instructions  of 
experience,  and  the  warning  of  outraged  nature.  But  they  go 
on  constructing  churches,  schools,  dwelling-houses  and  other 
buildings,  without  bestowing  a  thought  on  the  physical  wants 
of  man. 

Let  us  then  hope  for  a  better  state  of  things  —  not  only 
hope,  but  labor  to  produce  a  refoim.  This  is  the  age  of  im- 
provement. It  seems  that  the  genius  of  man  is  just  emerging 
from  darkness  to  rejoice  in  the  meridian  brightness  of  perfection 
in  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  while  discoveries  are  leaping  upon 
discoveries  in  such  rapid  succession,  we  must  not  overlook  so 
important  a  matter  as  ventilation.  In  view  of  further  illustrat- 
ing the  bad  effects  aiising  from  repeated  respiration  of  a  local 
atmosphere,  I  quote  the  following  paragraph  selected  from 
Dr.  Amot's  work.     He  informs  us  that, — 

"  Twenty  or  thirt}'  young  women,  engaged  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  lace,  in  the  city  of  London,  tried  the  experiment  of 
keeping  themselves  warm  in  a  small  room,  by  making  it  air 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  77 

tight,  and  depending  on  the  heat  given  off  from  their  lungs  and 
bodies  in  lieu  of  fuel,  which  they  could  not  afford  to  buy.  In 
the  course  of  a  few  weeks  their  countenances  became  of  a 
deathlike  paleness ;  at  the  end  of  a  couple  of  months  death 
visited  these  unfortunates,  and  carried  off  nearly  half  their 
number,  and  several  others  were  only  reserved  to  die  a  more 
lingering  death  of  typhus  fever." 

These  unfortunates  were  to  be  pitied  ;  but  what  shall  we  say 
of  tliose  who  know  the  evil  and  have  the  means  to  guard 
against  it,  as  that  mean  economy  or  thoughtlessness  which  is  to 
be  observed  in  the  construction  of  dwelling-houses,  lecture- 
rooms,  public  places  of  amusement,  and  houses  of  worship  ? 


DISEASES  OF   THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  (ESOPHAGUS. 

The  cEsophagus  or  gullet,  extends  from  the  mouth  to  the 
stomach ;  it  passes  down  the  left  side  of  the  neck,  outside  the 
windpipe,  between  the  two  first  ribs,  and  then  runs  backwards 
along  the  upper  part  of  the  thorax,  until  it  reaches  the  midriff' 
or  diaphragm  ;  having  passed  through  the  latter,  it  terminates 
in  the  digestive  canal. 

The  oesophagus  is  composed  of  three  coats ;  the  outer  one  is 
made  up  of  cellular  substance,  which  admits  of  considerable 
distention  ;  the  middle  coat  is  muscular,  and  is  composed  of  two 
layers,  arranged  spirally,  and  running  in  opposite  directions ; 
that  is  to  say,  the  fibres  wind  round  the  gullet,  in  contrary  di- 
rections ;  this  allows  or  aids  the  food  which  has  been  masticated 
to  pass  down  the  tube  into  the  first  compartment  of  the  stomach  ; 
viz.,  the  paunch,  and  by  a  reverse  action  of  the  other  set  of 
spiral  muscular  fibres,  the  pellet  —  cud — ascends  into  the 
mouth  for  remastication. 

The  inner  or  third  coat  is  similar  in  structure  to  the  pharyn- 
7* 


78 


THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 


gial  membrane,  or  that  which  lines  the  pharynx,  yet  it  is  so 
arranged  as  to  admit  of  considerable  distention. 


<^i» 


■^r 


^^:- 


SECTION  OF  A  COW'S  STOMACH. 


Explanation.  —  1.  A  portion  of  the  oesophagus,  or  gullet.  2.  The  ter- 
minating portion  of  the  gullet.  3,  3.  Lining  membrane  of  the  first  compart- 
ment of  the  stomach.  4,  4.  Portions  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  second 
compartment  of  the  stomach,  dissected  and  raised,  so  as  to  show  the  muscular 
mechanism  beneath  it.  6,  6.  The  lips  of  the  demi-canal,  -which  are  the  bound- 
aries of  the  groove.  At  the  lower  part  is  the  entrance  into  the  third  com- 
partment of  the  stomach,  termed  "  many-plies." 


FOREIGN  BODIES  IN  THE   GULLET. 

When  an  animal  attempts  to  swallow  a  substance  too  large 
for  the  calibre  of  the  oesophagus,  it  becomes  impacted  in  the 
same,  and  the  creature  is  said  to  be  choked,  and  on  examining 
the  left  side  of  the  neck  the  foreign  body  can  be  both  seen  and 
felt.  When  an  accident  of  this  character  occurs,  half  a  pint  of 
olive  oil  should  immediately  be  administered ;  this  will  lubricule 


THi:    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  79^ 

the  internal  surface  of  the  cesophagus,  and  aid  us  when  attempt- 
ing to  force  the  impacted  material  towards  the  stomach.  Be- 
fore any  attempts  are  made  to  introduce  the  probang  (see  cut 
of  instruments),  some  efforts  should  be  made  to  manipulate  the 
obstruction,  and  thus  force  it  downwards ;  if  it  can  be  felt  yet 
cannot  be  moved  by  external  manipulation,  there  is  very  little 
chance  for  the  animal ;  yet  we  are  not  without  resource,  ^he 
probang  is  our  remedy.  This  is  to  be  introduced  through  the 
mouth-piece  into  the  oesophagus  ;  some  slight  degree  of  force 
may  be  used  to  push  the  obstruction  downwards ;  if  that  fail, 
no  time  should  be  lost  in  futile  efforts  ;  an  operation  must  be 
performed  termed  oesophagotomy. 

(ESOPHAGOTOMY. 

.  This  operation  is  performed  as  follows  :  Place  the  animal 
in  the  trevis  or  cast,  and  etherize  him ;  then  make  an  incision 
over  the  region  of  the  obstruction,  through  the  skin  and  sub- 
cellular tissues ;  the  oesophagus  will  then  be  seen.  The  only 
vessels  in  this  location  that  are  of  any  consequence,  are  the 
jugular  vein  and  common  carotid  artery ;  but  there  is  no  dan- 
ger of  wounding  them  when  the  oesophagus  is  distended.  The 
obstruction  having  been  found,  an  incision  is  to  be  made  through 
the  coats  of  the  gullet  sufficiently  large  to  admit  of  the  extraction 
of  the  incarcerated  body  ;  so  soon  as  this  desirable  object  is  ef- 
fected, the  edges  of  the  gullet  maybe  closed  by  sutures  or  stitches, 
one  end  of  which  should  be  cut  off  close  to  the  knot,  and  the 
other  left  long  enough  to  hang  out  of  the  external  wound.  The 
integuments  are  then  to  be  brought  together  by  another  set  of 
stitches,  taking  care  to  leave  a  small  orifice  at  the  lower  pait 
of  the  neck,  for  the  escape  of  any  morbid  matter.  The  wound, 
with  the  exception  of  this  orifice,  should  be  well  coated  with 
collodion  or  liquid  cuticle.  For  a  few  days  after  the  operation, 
the  patient  should  be  kept  on  a  light,  sloppy  diet,  sufficiently 
seasoned  with  common  salt  to  prevent  fermentation.  In  the 
course  of  a  fortnight  the  wound  will  be  quite  healed. 


80  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

LACERATION  OF  THE  CESOPHAGUS. 

This  accident  very  frequently  occurs  from  the  objectionable 
practice  of  attempting  to  force  a  foreign  body,  such  as  an  apple, 
potato,  or  turnip,  that  the  animal  has  greedily  attempted  to 
swallow,  down  the  oesophagus  into  a  more  dilated  part  of  the 
digestive  aparatus,by  means  of  such  rude  instruments  as  a  whip- 
stock  or  common  stick,  in  lieu  of  a  proper  instrument,  known 
as  Siprohang.  The  operator  sometimes  succeeds  in  removing  the 
obstruction,  but  soon  a  swelling  is  observed  in  the  region  of  the 
neck ;  the  animal  evinces  signs  of  pain,  and  symptoms  of  suf- 
focation ensue ;  in  such  cases  it  is  evident  that  the  oesophagus 
is  ruptured.  The  following  from  the  author's  case  book  is  in- 
troduced in  view  of  showing  the  folly  of  forcibly  removing  such 
obstructions. 

Oct.  lOM,  1855. — Saw  a  cow,  at  Feltonville,  the  property 
of  Mr.  Welch  and  others.  The  animal  had  calved  about  ten 
days  previous,  and  done  well ;  two  days  after  parturition  she 
was  purchased  by  another  man  for  the  above  party,  and  driven 
to  her  new  home.  On  the  way  thither  she  ^^  picked  up  an  ap- 
ple and  got  choked;"  the  apple  was  discovered  in  the  upper 
half  of  the  oesophagus.  The  attendant  tried  to  manipulate  it 
either  one  way  or  the  other,  but  failing  in  this,  he  procured  a 
whipstock,  and  forced  the  foreign  body  towards  the  rumen. 
This  induced  convulsions,  and  the  subject  threw  herself  vio- 
lently down,  with  the  whipstock  in  her  throat.  This  feat  she 
repeated  several  times,  to  the  imminent  danger  of  limb  and 
life.  She  shortly,  however,  recovered  and  appeared  to  do  well, 
and  the  next  day,  I  believe,  was  received  by  the  above 
firm.  After  a  brief  space  she  appeared  to  be  "  ailing,'*  and 
the  owners,  thinking  the  apple  was  the  cause  of  the  same,  gave 
her  a  full  dose  of  oil.  Soon  afterwards,  inverted  peristaltic 
action  took  place,  and  whenever  she  attempted  to  swallow 
fluids  or  solids,  vomiting,  or  regurgitation,  took  place.  This 
was  her  condition  at  the  time  I  saw  her — ten  days  after  the 
first  attack.      I  prescribed  alkalies  and  counter  irritation;  next 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  81 

day  she  appeared  better — that  is,  the  vomiting  had  ceased. 
She  was  then  drenched  with  glauber  salts  and  spearmint,  and 
during  the  next  day  received  several  alkaline  injections,  and 
such  other  treatment  as  the  urgency  of  the  case  seemed  to 
require.  Notwithstanding  this,  she  died  on  the  third  day  from 
my  first  visit.  The  owner,  in  accordance  with  my  request, 
notified  me  of  the  death,  and  I  made  an  autopsy.  The  heart, 
lungs,  liver,  spleen,  panereas,  kidneys,  stomach,  and  bowels,  all 
appeared  in  a  healthy  state ;  they  presented,  however,  evi- 
dences of  debility,  in  the  condensation  and  pale  aspect  of  their 
tissues.  The  onientum-catd  was  exceedingly  dense,  scarcely 
thicker  than  a  piece  of  writing  paper.  Tracing  the  oesopha- 
gus internally  from  the  mouth  to  its  termination,  or  base, 
there  were  no  symptoms  of  laceration  or  inflammation ;  but  in 
the  dilated  portion  of  the  same,  which  is  contiguous,  and 
receives  food  after  primary  mastication,  I  found  a  mass  of 
juvenile  cornstalks,  about  the  size  of  a  man's  fist,  and  twice 
the  length  of  the  same  —  seven  inches.  This  part  being  con- 
sidered as  the  termination  of  the  oesophagus,  and  commencing 
link  of  the  stomach,  was  distended  beyond  its  ordinary  capacity 
and  in  a  high  state  of  gangrene  —  mortification  —  and  parti- 
cles of  cornstalk  were  protruding  through  its  disorganized  and 
lacerated  tissues.  This  accounts  for  the  death,  but  the  reader 
will,  probably,  want  to  know  something  about  the  cause,  and  may, 
possibly,  say  that  the  whipstock  was  the  exciting  one.  This 
would  appear,  on  first  thought,  as  a  rational  conclusion ;  be- 
cause many  valuable  animals,  both  in  this  and  the  mother 
country  {as  records  show)  have  been  destroyed  by  lacerating 
the  oesqphagus,  with  the  above,  or  some  such  instrument ;  and 
we  might  reasonably  assign  the  cause  of  death  to  the  same,  and 
thus  terminate  this  article.  But  my  readers,  I  opine,  desire 
the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth.  I  am  satisfied  that  the 
whipstock,  however  injurious  it  may  have  been  in  other  cases 
(and  it  is  in  most  ca^es  an  objectionable  remedy),  was  inopera- 
tive in  this  —  that  is,  so  far  as  the  vitality  of  the  animal  was 
concerned.  Now  for  the  proof.  The  seat  of  the  disease 
proved  to  be,  by  careful  measurement,  fox'ty-three  inches  from 


82  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the  tip  of  the  lips.  The  whipstock  was  three  feet  six  inches 
in  length,  and,  according  to  the  testimony  of  the  operator  and 
others,  six  or  eight  inches  of  the  same  never  entered  the  mouth  ; 
computing  the  medium  at  seven  inches,  the  reader  will  perceive 
that  the  diseased  location  was  just  seven  inches  beyond  the 
reach  of  the  instrument. 

How,  then,  are  we  to  account  for  the  death  of  the  animal  ? 

I  shall  try  to  satisfy  the  reader  on  this  point.  The  animal, 
at  the  time  of  purchase,  had  not  recovered  from  the  pain,  labor, 
and  excitement  of  parturition ;  she  was  an  invalid ;  in  the 
same  condition,  yet  less  well  provided  for  than  her  lordly 
mistress,  who  has  the  advantages  of  science,  skill,  and  sympa- 
thy, to  alleviate  her  woes,  and  mitigate  her  pains.  The  poor 
brute  was  compelled  to  perform  a  journey,  when  she  ought  to 
have  been  kept  at  rest,  and  kindly  cared  for.  The  common 
sympathies  of  our  race  ought  to  have  been  extended  to  her ; 
she  ought  to  have  been  dosed  with  groaning  cordial,  instead  of 
cornstalks  ;  and,  instead  of  performing  a  journey  through  apple 
orchards,  she  ought  to  have  been  kept  at  home  until  health  and 
strength  re-appeared. 

Changes  in  food,  location^  and  ham  management,  are  at 
times,  and  under  certain  circumstances,  operative  in  inducing 
disease,  especially  when  the  subject  be  in  a  weak  or  delicate 
condition.  Cornstalks,  therefore,  being  very  indigestible,  tend 
to  overtax  and  irritate  the  stomach,  and  the  oil,  probably,  in- 
duced nausea.  In  efforts  at  vomiting,  the  rough  particles  of 
food  found  a  lodgment  at  the  point  indicated,  where  they  accu- 
mulated, produced  irritation,  inflammation,  and,  finally,  mortifi- 
cation. The  direct  cause  of  death,  therefore,  was  ob^ruction 
within  the  gullet;  the  morbid  appearances  were  the  conse- 
quence of  the  same. 

The  best  instrument  I  know  of  for  the  accident  of  choking, 
or  obstruction  within  the  gullet,  is  a  flexible  probang :  but,  as  that 
instrument  is  not  always  to  be  obtained,  every  farmer  should 
be  provided  with  the  next  best  instrument,  which  consists  of  a 
piece  of  smooth,  flexible  rattan,  about  five  feet  in  length,  armed 
at  one  end  with  an  oblong  ivory  ball,  which  must  be  securely 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  83 

fastened.  If  much  force  be  used,  laceration  of  the  oesophagus 
is  apt  to  occur ;  therefore,  if  the  foreign  body  will  not  yield  to 
gentle  pressure,  I  should  pour  down  a  little  olive  oil;  wait 
awhile,  and  then  try  the  probang  again.  If,  however,  the 
foreign  body  can  be  detected,  and  the  probang  fails  to  remove 
it,  we  should  immediately  perform  the  operation  of  oesophago- 
tomy,  which  consists  of  making  an  opening  into  the  gullet  large 
enough  to  remove  the  former,  and  then  bringing  the  divided 
edges  together  again  by  means  of  sutures  —  stitches.  ' 

Cases  like  the  above  (when  the  medical  man  is  not  called 
on  until  after  the  lapse  of  several  days  from  the  time  of  the 
accident),  do  not  admit  of  the  introduction  of  a  probang. 

The  following  case,  which  occurred  in  the  practice  of  W. 
Sanders,  Student  Royal  Veterinary  College,  goes  to  show  that 
an  animal  should  never  be  consigned  to  death  until  the  skill  of 
a  qualified  person  proves  unavailing.  "  In  the  month  of  March 
a  young  Alderney  cow  became  choked  with  a  Swede  turnip, 
which  was  found  to  be  impacted  about  the  termination  of  the 
third  of  the  cervical  portion  of  the  oesophagus.  The  owner 
immediately  sent  for  a  person  whom  he  had  been  in  the  habit 
of  employing,  but  who,  not  having  a  proper  probang,  substi- 
tuted a  common  ash  stick.  After  some  difficulty,  the  obstruc- 
tion in  this  way  was  removed.  In  the  course  of  a  fortnight  the 
neck  was  found  much  swollen,  and  the  animal  not  only  evinced 
a  great  deal  of  pain,  but  sometimes,  as  I  was  informed,  ap- 
peared as  though  threatened  with  suffocation.  It  was  supposed 
that  the  oesophagus  must  be  ruptured,  in  consequence  of,  as  it 
appeared,  a  considerable  portion  of  food  having  protruded  be- 
tween the  muscles  of  the  neck,  just  anterior  to  the  sternum. 
A  small  orifice  was  made  through  the  skin,  and  a  portion  of 
the  food  (for  food  it  proved  to  be)  removed.  The  cow  continued 
to  get  worse  for  several  days,  and  putrefaction  had  apparently 
commenced.  The  attendant  now  advised  the  owner  to  have 
the  cow  slaughtered ;  but  as  her  condition  precluded  the  pros- 
pect of  selling  her  advantageously,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to 
risk  the  chances  of  recovery,  especially  as  she  was  young  and 
in  calf.     Under  these  circumstances,  my  brother,  who  resides  in 


84  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

that  locality,  was  consulted.  On  his  arrival  he  gave  but  little 
hopes  of  recovery,  seeing  she  was  to  so  great  a  degree  debilita- 
ted. A  stimulant  was  administered,  and  an  incision,  about 
seven  inches  in  length,  was  made  in  the  most  depending  part 
of  the  swelling,  through  which  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  peck 
of  food  was  removed  from  between  the  muscles.  The  wound 
being  now  held  open,  and  a  candle  placed  in  front,  th^  rupture 
of  the  oesophagus  became  quite  apparent.  It  proved  full  three 
inches  in  length.  The  wound  was  cleaned.  A  common  side- 
saddle was  placed  upon  her  back,  and  fastened  on  with  a  girth 
in  the  usual  manner ;  a  small-sized  piece  of  ash-wood  was 
shaved  so  as  to  render  it  pliable  at  one  end.  The  large  end 
was  then  tied  to  the  crupper-loop  of  the  saddle,  and  passed  then 
between  the  pummels,  which  kept  it  in  its  place,  and  elevated 
it  half  way  along  the  neck.  The  oesophagus  at  this  part  being 
rather  deep  seated  within  the  loose  fleshy  part  of  the  dewlap, 
it  was  not  convenient  to  pass  sutures  through  the  edges  of  the 
laceration.  A  pledget  of  tow  dipped  in  some  digestive  was  put 
into  the  wound,  and  pressed  against  the  ruptured  part.  A  pad 
of  flannel  was  then  placed  over  the  outside,  and  a  broad  band- 
age, with  some  thin  but  flat  pieces  of  wood  sown  to  it,  to  pre- 
vent its  becoming  too  narrow.  This  was  carried  round  and 
over  the  stick  above  the  neck,  which,  being  pliable,  acted  as  a 
spring,  that  kept  a  moderate  but  equal  pressure  as  she  moved 
her  head  up  and  down.  She  was  mainly  supported  upon  gruel 
made  of  barley  and  bean  and  wheat  flour  ;  but  in  addition,  occa- 
sionally, was  allowed  a  little  green  food.  Tonics  and  stimulants 
were  administered.  Any  food  that  accumulated  in  the  wound 
was  removed,  and  it  was  regularly  dressed  twice  a  day.  Three 
weeks  after  she  calved  a  live  calf;  but,  from  the  weakness  be- 
fore parturition,  she  became  so  reduced  as  to  require  assistence 
to  get  up  for  a  short  time.  I  went  home  from  college  on  the 
6th  of  May.  On  the  8th  I  saw  her  myself.  There  was  then 
a  small  circular  opening,  leading  into  the  oesophagus,  sufiiciently 
large  to  admit  the  finger,  which  was  prevented  healing  by  the 
frequent  escape  of  food.  The  edges  of  the  wound  were  thick- 
ened, and  apparently  healed  over.     They  were  occasionally 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  85 

scarified,  with  the  view  of  promoting  cicatrization  ;  for  it  was 
my  opinion  that,  should  the  wound  heal,  it  would  leave  a  stric- 
ture in  that  part  of  the  tube,  and  consequently  render  the  animal 
susceptible  of  becoming  again  choked.  The  food  continued  to 
pass  more  or  less  through  the  opening,  until  the  beginning  of 
June,  when  the  wound  became  entirely  closed.  Since  then  she 
has  become  again  in  calf,  and  from  that  has  continued  to  go  on 
well ;  nor  has  she  ever,  that  I  am  aware,  again  shown  any 
symptoms  of  choking,  although  she  has  taken  her  chance  as 
to  the  nature  of  her  food.  She  is  still  in  the  same  person's 
possession  ;  consequently  I  know,  from  the  information  I  have 
received,  that  she  continues  up  to  the  present  time  apparently 
as  well  as  ever  she  was  ;  and  it  is  now  eight  months  since  the 
wound  healed  over." 

APTH^. 

This  disease  is  commonly  known  as  ^Hhrusk,''  or  sore  mouth. 
It  appears  as  a  vesicular  eruption  on  the  tongue,  gums,  and  on 
the  buccal  and  palatine  membrane.  When  the  disease  is  mild, 
and  confined  to  the  above  parts,  it  is  easily  cured  by  daily  ap- 
plications of  a  portion  of  the  following :  — 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  Matico, 1  ounce. 

Honey, » 4  ounces. 

,    Mix,  and  apply  by  means  of  a  swab  or  sponge. 

When  the  disease  is  violent  and  of  long  standing,  it  is  apt  to 
extend  through  the  whole  course  of  the  alimentary  canal,  from 
the  mouth  to  the  anus.  If  this  be  the  case  the  animal  will 
purge,  as  if  a  powerful  cathartic  had  been  administered,  and 
will  be  otherwise  unwell.  The  methodis  medendi  in  this  event 
is,  to  prescribe  tonics  and  astringents.  The  remedies  are  tinc- 
ture of  matico,  goldenseal,  and  sulphur,  in  the  following  pro- 
portions :  — 

Tincture  of  Matico, 4  drachms. 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2      *' 

Sulphur, 2      " 

Wa^pr, 1  pint- 
Mix  and  administer. 


80  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

The  patient's  diet  should  consist  of  oatmeal  griiel,  slightly 
alkalized  with  hyposulphite  of  soda. 

In  a  late  number  of  the  Veterinarian  I  find  the  following  ar- 
ticle upon  epizootic  aphthae  :  — 

"  EpizoiStic  Aphthoe,  commonly  known  as  foot  and  mouth  com- 
plaint, is  a  febrile,  very  contagious,  and  panzootic  aifection  — 
I.e.,  readily  communicable  from  one  species  to  another — met 
with  in  the  horse,  goat,  pig,  fowl,  hare,  etc.,  but  most  commonly 
in  the  ox  and  sheep,  in  which  last  two  mentioned  animals  it 
consists  of  vesicles  breaking  out  on  the  mouth,  gums,  lips,  teats, 
and  around  the  coronary  surface  of  the  foot  between  the  skin 
and  the  hoof.  It  is  an  Epizootic  affection,  spreading  over  large 
tracts  of  country,  interfering  very  seriously  with  the  capability 
of  the  ox  to  put  on  f^t  *  whilst  preparing  for  the  butcher,'  and 
in  the  milch  cow  rendering  the  supply  of  milk  small,  if  not 
altogether  suspending  it. 

"  In  this  disease  the  ox  exhibits  the  following  symptoms  :  — 
Suspension  of  rumination,  constipation,  sometimes,  though 
rarely,  diarrhoea,  great  flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth,  and  severe 
lameness. 

"  Milk  taken  from  cows  affected  with  this  disease  should 
never  be  drank,  as  it  will  most  readily  produce  aphthce  in  man. 
To  prove  this  fact,  Professor  Ilertwig,  together  with  two  medi- 
cal men,  Mann  and  Vilion,  drank  the  warm  milk  of  an  aphthous 
cow,  and  the  result  was  that  each  became  the  subjects  of  severe 
inflammation  of  the  throat,  associated  with  the  vesicular  erup- 
tions mentioned  above  as  indicative  of  this  malady. 

"  Professor  Simonds  also  gave  the  warm  milk  of  an  aphthous 
cow  to  pigs,  with  a  similar  result." 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

The  stomach  of  a  ruminating  animal  presents  a  very  com- 
plex arrangement,  of  which  the  purpose  seems  to  be  to  favor 
the  mechanical  reduction  of  the  food,  and  its  impregnation  by 
the  salivial  and  gastric  fluids,  before  it  is  subjected  to  the  ac- 
tion of  the  biliary  and  pancreatic  juices. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


87 


The  stomach  of  an  ox  is  subdivided  into  four  distinct  cavities 
named  as  follows : — 

First  compartment,  Rumen,  or  paunch. 
Second         "  Reticulum. 

Third  "  Manyplus,  or  Omasum. 

Fourth         "  Aboraasum. 


REPRESENTATION  OF  A  COW'S   STOMACH. 

ExPLANATiox.  —  1.  A  part  of  the  oesophagus.  2.  The  paunch.  3.  The 
second  stomach,  commonly  known  as  the  "honey  comb."  4.  The  third 
compartment  of  the  stomach,  known  as  the  "many-plus,"  or  "many-plies." 
5.  Tlie  fourth  compartment,  known  as  the  abomas'um.  6.  The  pylorus,  and 
commencement  of  the  duodenum. 

The  compartment  known  as  the  abomasum,  5,  is  the  seat  of  the  true  pro- 
cess of  digestion,  and  this  is  that  part  of  the  calf's  stomach  that  the  "  rennet " 
is  taken  from,  which  possesses  the  power  of  coagulating  milk.  TGe  coagu- 
lation, or  "  curdling  "  of  milk,  in  the  manufacture  of  cheese,  is  accomplished 
by  means  of  the  organic  acid  contained  in  the  "  rennet." 

The  rumen,  like  the  oesophagus,  is  composed  of  three  coats ; 
the  internal  one  is  studded  with  numerous  papillae,  which  in- 
cline in  the  direction  that  the  food  takes ;  they  are  erectile,  and 
by  inclining  in  different  directions,  they  can,  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent, favor  or  oppose  the  passage  of  food. 

The  openings  into  the  rumen  are  two.  One  at  the  base  of 
the  oesophagus,  through  which  the  food  and  fluids  pass  ;  the 
other  is  below  this.  It  is  much  larger,  and  communicates  with 
the  second  stomach.  The  paunch  is  not  so  highly  organized 
as  some  other  parts  of  the  stomach.  This  compartment  is  ca- 
pable of  extraordinary  distention,  and  in  some  cases  of  tym- 
panites, becomes  so  distended  as  to  produce  suffocation  by 
pressure  on  the  diaphragm  and  lungs. 


88  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Tlie  reticulum^  or  second  stomach,  sometimes  called  the 
honeycomb^  presents  a  very  irregular  surface,  consisting  of  open 
cells,  varying  in  size  and  depth,  looking  very  much  like  a  piece 
of  honeycomb  on  a  large  scale.  There  are  two  openings  into 
this  stomach:  one  through  the  floor  of  the  gullet,  the  other 
into  the  paunch.  The  pellet  of  food  to  be  returned  for  reraas- 
tication,  is  thrown  into  the  oesophagean  canal  by  the  retic- 
ulum. 

The  manyplus,  sometimes  called  manyplies  or  manyfolds,  is 
made  up  internally  of  laminae,  or  leaves,  which  hang  down 
from  every  part  of  it ;  by  this  arrangement  an  immense  diges- 
tive surface  is  crowded  into  a  small  space.  The  cuticular 
covering  of  these  leaves  or  laminae  is  very  singular;  it  is 
thickly  studded  with  eminences,  varying  in  size  and  form ;  in 
some  places  they  resemble  little  hooks,  others  look  like  papillas ; 
some  are  soft,  others  are  hard  and  durable  like  horn.  The 
function  of  the  laminae  and  papillae  is  to  comminute,  and 
properly  prepare  the  food  ere  it  enters  the  fourth  compartment. 

The  ahomasum,  is  the  true  digestive  stomach  ;  its  function  is 
to  secrete  the  gastric  juice,  at  least  the  gastric  juice  is  secreted 
by  small  glandular  bodies,  having  ducts  which  terminate  on 
the  villous  membrane  which  lines  the  abomasum.  The  lower 
orifice  of  this  part  of  the  stomach  is  termed  pylorus;  it  is 
guarded  by  a  projecting  body  which  answers  the  purpose  of  a 
sphincter  muscle,  to  guard  against  regurgitation  from  the  du- 
odenum. 

RUMINATION  OR  REMASTICATION,  AND 'INGESTION 
OF  FOOD. 

The  ox,  a  member  of  the  group  Ruminaniia^  has  four  com- 
partments in  the  stomach,  yet  two  of  them  are  nothing  more 
than  dilitations  of  the  oesophagus. 

The  food  having  been  gathered  by  the  lips,  tongue,  and 
teeth  within  the  mouth,  it  undergoes  a  grinding  process  between 
the  molars,  and  receives  the  admixture  of  salivial  fluids  secreted 
by  the  submaxillary,  parotid,  thyroid,  and  sublingual  glands  ; 
iL  then  passes  down  the  oesophagus  into  the  paunch;  the  char- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  89 

acter  of  the  food,  however,  regulates  its  passage  into  the  va- 
rious compartments ;  if  the  pellet  of  food  be  solid,  the  paunch 
receives  it ;  if  it  be  semi-fluids,  it  goes  beyond  the  paunch  to 
the  second  and  perhaps  third  compartment.  This  is  the  case 
with  a  sucking  calf;  the  milk  which  forms  its  nutriment,  re- 
quires no  remastication,  and  therefore  passes  directly  into  the 
true  digestive  cavity  —  the  fourth  compartment. 

It  appears,  therefore,  that  the  functions  of  digestion  and 
remastication  are  involuntary,  and  are  governed  by  the  same  sort 
of  power  which  causes  the  heart  to  pulsate,  expands  the  lungs, 
secretes  the  bile,  pancreatic  juice,  etc.,  without  the  aid  or  con- 
sent of  the  animal.  We  may,  however,  to  a  certain  extent, 
increase  or  decrease  these  functions,  by  artificial  means  ;  but 
their  primary  operations  are  uncontrollable,  simply  because 
they  are  involuntary.  Some  persons  have  doubted  the  fact  of 
rumination,  and  if  any  of  my  readers  be  skeptical  on  this  sub- 
ject, let  them  satisfy  themselves  by  experiment.  The  best 
subjects  for  demonstrating  the  acts  of  rumination,  are  animals 
with  lean  necks.  For  example  :  let  a  person  stand  on  the  left 
side  of  the  animal,  in  the  region  of  the  neck  (supposing  the 
latter  to  be  in  the  ruminating  mood).  He  perceives  the  cud 
re-ascend  through  the  gullet,  and  re-descend  again  into  the 
stomach.  At  the  period  of  re-ascension,  place  the  ear  in  the 
region  of  the  gullet,  and  a  gurgling  sound  will  be  heard,  differ- 
ent from  that  accompanying  re-decension.  The  action  has 
been  described  as  undulating,  alternate,  coming  and  going, 
like  the  motion  of  a  ship ;  but  this  is  regulated  by  the  respira- 
tory movements  and  different  attitudes  of  the  body.  We  can, 
however,  at  the  moment  of  re-ascent,  perceive  a  flank  move- 
ment, deep  inspiration,  succeeded  by  a  rapid  expiration,  show- 
ing conclusively  that  a  powerful  nervous  concurrent  force  — 
involuntary  —  controls  the  action  of  rumination. 

Finally,  the  cud  can  be  made  to  ascend  or  descend,  in  the 

following  manner;  we  perceive  the  cud  descend,  now  grasp 

the  gullet  firmly,  and  it  re-ascends  into  the  mouth.     We  next 

perceive  the  cud  ascending  ;  arrest  it  by  compressing  the  gul- 

8* 


^M)  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

let,  and  it  rapidly  descends  again  into  the  stomach;  hence  the 
phenomenon  of  remastication  can  readily  be  demonstrated. 

The  solid  food,  when  once  in  the  paunch,  receives  the  ad- 
mixture of  fluid  secreted  from  its  walls;  after  maceration 
for  a  short  time,  the  more  solid  parts  are  returned  to  the  mouth, 
where  they  undergo  another  mastication,  and  are  again  satu- 
rated with  the  salivial  fluids  and  swallowed ;  if  properly  mas- 
ticated it  reaches  the  third  stomach  —  manyplus  or  omasum  — 
hei'e  it  undergoes  a  further  reduction,  becomes  quite  pulpy, 
after  which  it  enters  the  fourth  stomach. 

Carpenter  thus  describes  the  phenomena  of  rumination : 
"  The  direction  of  the  food  into  one  or  the  other  of  the  diges- 
tive cavities,  appears  to  be  affected  without  any  voluntary  effort 
on  the  part  of  the  animal  itself,  but  to  result  simply  from  the 
very  peculiar  endowments  of  the  lower  part  of  the  oesophagus. 
This  does  not  entirely  terminate  at  its  opening  into  the  first 
stomach  or  paunch,  but  it  is  continued  onwards  as  a  deep 
groove  with  two  lips ;  by  the  closure  of  these  lips  it  is  made  to 
form  a  tube,  which  serves  to  convey  the  food  onward  into  the 
third  stomach  ;  but  when  they  separate  the  food  is  allowed  to 
pass  either  into  the  first  or  second  stomach.  When  the  food  is 
first  swallowed,  it  has  undergone  but  very  little  mastication  ; 
it  is  consequently  firm  in  consistence,  and  is  brought  down  to 
the  termination  of  the  oesophagus  in  dry  bulky  masses ;  these 
separate  the  lips  of  the  groove  or  demi-canal,  and  pass  into 
the  first  and  second  stomachs.  After  they  have  been  macerated 
in  the  fluids  of  these  cavities,  they  are  returned  to  the  mouth 
by  a  reverse  peristaltic  action  of  the  oesophagus ;  this  return 
takes  place  in  a  very  regular  manner,  the  food  being  shaped  into 
globular  pellets  by  compression  within  a  sort  of  mould  formed 
by  the  ends  of  the  demi-canal,  drawn  togethei,  and  these  being 
conveyed  to  the  mouth  at  regular  intervals,  apparently  by  a 
rhythmical  movement  of  the  oesophagus.  After  its  second 
mastication,  it  is  again  swallowed  in  a  pulpy  semi-fluid  state ; 
it  now  passes  along  the  groove  which  forms  the  continuation  of 
the  oesophagus,  without  opening  its  lips ;  and  is  thus  conveyed 
into  the  third  stomach,  whence  it  passes  to  the  fourth." 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  91 

ON  THE  SENSIBLE  PHENOMENA  OF -RUMINATION. 

This  subject  is  one  of  great  importance  to  persons  desirous 
of  practising  veterinary  medicine  ;  and  husbapdmen,  no  doubt, 
will  be  glad  to  become  better  acquainted  with' .matters  that 
have  hitherto,  in  this  country,  been  shrouded  v  in  comparative 
darkness.  In  view  of  furnishing  rehable  information  on  this 
subject,  the  author  has  selected  a  communication  by  M.  Colin, 
translated  by  Mr.  Percivall.  > 

"  The  following  comprises  the  substance  of  the  report  of  a 
paper  on  this  subject,  read  before  the  National  and  Central 
Society  of  Veterinary  Medicine  of  France :  — 

"  Under  the  heading  of  '  Sensible  Phenomena  of  Rumin- 
ation,' M.  Colin  includes  *  all  the  external  and  appreciable  acts 
of  this  function,  every  thing,  in  fact,  one  can  make  out  of  acts 
in  a  great  measure  concealed,  having  for  their  object  the  return 
of  the  aliment  from  the  stomach  into  the  mouth,  and  its  remod- 
ification  within  the  latter  cavity. ' 

"  These  acts  are  — 

"  1st,  The  return  or  rejection  of  the  alimentary  cud. 

"  2d,  The  mastication  of  the  cud,  wherein  are  to  be  ob- 
served, the  direction  of  the  motions  of  the  lower  jaw,  the 
rapidity  or  tardiness  of  their  succession,  their  number  and 
regularity. 

"3d,  The  deglutition  of  the  ruminated  cud. 

"  The  return  of  the  aliment  into  the  mouth,  M.  Colin  re- 
gards as  a  sort  of  inverse  or  anti-peristaltic  or  deglutition,  called 
by  M.  Flourens,  rejecton.     In  it  are  two  distinct  acts  :  — 

"  1st,  The  operation  by  which  the  cud  is  formed,  seized,  and 
held  by  the  cardiac  orifice  of  the  oesophagus. 

"2d,  The  transmission  of  the  cud  from  the  stomach  into 
the  buccal  cavity. 

"  The  first  of  these  acts  it  is  that  is  involved  in  the  greatest 
obscurity,  owing  to  its  being  the  least  accessible  of  any  of  the 
phenomena  of  rumination :  the  last  act  is  simple,  sensible,  and 
appreciable  enough. 

"  At  every  return  of  the   aliment  from   the   rumen  to  the 


92  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

mouth,  there  is  observable  a  deeper  drawing  of  the  flank  than 
at  ordinary  times.  In  the  eyes  of  many,  this  is  no  more  than 
a  respiratory  heave — a  deep  inspiration  ;  while  others  contend 
it  is  expiration.  M.  Girard,  senior,  thought  that,  through  the 
contracted  condition  of  the  diaphragm  in  inspiration,  as  well  as 
that  of  the  abdominal  muscles,  rumination  was  set  in  action  by 
the  stomach,  thus  having  added  to  its  own  motions  a  powerful 
concurrent  force.  M.  Colin,  however,  is  of  a  different  opinion. 
He  argues,  that,  at  the  moment  of  repulsion,  a  brisk  movement 
takes  place  in  the  flank,  caused  by  rather  a  deep  inspiration 
momentarily  succeeded  by  a  rapid  expiration ;  a  movement 
which  must  precede  the  arrival  of  the  cud  within  the  cervical 
portion  of  the  oesophagus.  This  theory  reconciles  the  parti- 
sans both  of  inspiration  and  expiration. 

"  Our  own  inquiries  into  this  matter,  however,  embracing 
both  the  sensible  and  insensible  phenomena  of  rumination,  con- 
tradict this  opinion,  since  nothing  like  it  have  we  discovered. 

"  The  rational  mode  of  proceeding  to  us  has  appeared  to  be, 
to  class  the  agents  of  rumination  into  two  orders,  —  an  extrinsic 
and  intrinsic  order.  In  the  first  category  we  have  examined 
into  the  agency  of  the  diaphragm,  the  abdominal  muscles,  the 
pression  of  the  intestinal  mass,  the  different  movements  and 
attitudes  of  the  body.  In  the  second  place,  we  have  endeav- 
ored to  ascertain  whether  contractions  of  the  stomach  were  to 
be  felt  at  any  part  of  the  abdomen,  and,  if  so,  to  take  this  into 
account. 

"  When  the  cud  has  once  entered  the  oesophagus  it  rapidly 
travels  through  the  canal,  it  being  by  the  action  of  the  fibres 
of  the  tube  (described  by  Stenon  and  Peyer)  that  it  ascends 
into  the  mouth.  And  in  effecting  this  ascent  of  the  cud,  the 
action  of  the  fibres  is  not,  like  that  of  the  iry;estines,  an  undu- 
lating or  vermiform  movement,  but  alternate  with  every  act  of 
rumination,  by  an  action  that  comes  and  goes  like  the  motion 
of  a  ship,  and  this  is  continued  through  the  entire  process. 

"  In  all  ruminants  these  operations  may  be  demonstrated, 
though  it  is  most  apparent  in  such  as  are  in  lean  condition  and 
have  long  necks,  such  as  the  lama,  the  giraffe,  and  the  camel ; 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  93 

and,  owing  to  the  course  of  the  oesophagus,  it  is  more  conspic- 
uous on  the  left  than  on  the  right  side  of  the  neck,  though  it 
may  likewise  be  seen  on  the  latter :  in  the  dromedary  it  is  even 
more  visible  in  the  lower  part  of  the  neck,  along  the  median 
line. 

"Many  authors  have  asserted  that  there  takes  place  an 
elongation  of  the  neck  ;  that  it  becomes  stretched  out,  and  the 
head  protruded  forward,  at  the  time  the  aliment  is  passing  out 
of  the  rumen  into  the  oesophagus.  These  conditions,  however, 
are  by  no  means  constant,  nor  are  they  essential,  since,  if  the 
neck  be  flexed  either  to  the  left  or  to  the  right  at  the  time  of 
rumination,  the  phenomena  continues  uninterruptedly,  the  ali- 
ments uniformly  ascending  and  descending.  This  M.  Colin 
has  not  noticed. 

"  But  he  was  desirous  of  determining  the  quantity  of  ali- 
mentary matter  collected  in  the  mouth ;  with  which  intention 
he  forcibly  applied  his  hands  upon  each  side  of  the  jugular 
furrow  in  the  neck,  so  as  sharply  to  compress  the  oesophagus, 
while,  at  the  same  time,  he  had  the  mouth  opened,  and  thus  ob- 
tained a  soft  mass  weighing  from  three  or  four  ounces.  He  like- 
wise informs  us,  that  the  rejected  cud  was  not  always  a  globu- 
lar mass  consisting  of  solid  matters  exclusively  ;  for  oftentimes, 
cast  up  7  h  the  solids,  were  parcels  of  herbacious  matters, 
along  with  a  goodly  proportion  of  fluid.  From  this  M.  Colin 
makes  an  arithmetical  calculation.  He  supposes  the  daily 
ration  to  amount  to  from  twenty-five  to  thirty  pounds  ;  and  this 
to  be  dry  provender,  reckons  the  operations  of  rumination,  the 
time  its  reproduction  will  occupy,  calling  to  mind  M.  Las- 
saigne's  experiments,  to  which  his  calculations  bear  but  too 
distant  analogy,  and  arrives  at  the  conclusions,  that  thirty 
pounds  of  hay  acquire  within  the  stomach  a  weight  equal  to 
nearly  150  pounds  ;  and  that  500  parcels,  of  from  three  to  four 
ounces  each,  require,  in  order  to  be  submitted  to  a  second  mas- 
tication, seven  hours  thirteen  minutes. 

"  Now  for  this  calculation,  to  which  we  have  no  inclination 
to  revert,  to  be  correct,  the  liquid  aliments  should  have  been 
taken  into  the  account;  and  likewise  allowance  ouMit  to  be 


94  TUt  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

made  for  a  notable  quantity  of  aliment,  for  that  especially 
which  has  been  sufficiently  attenuated,  not  being  returned  to 
the  mouth.  In  what  proportion  does  M.  Colin  make  these 
enter  into  his  calculation  ?  For  this  we  look  in  vain  :  thou^^h 
this  detail  it  is  which  constitutes  the  veritable  secret  of  ru- 
mination. 

"  And,  after  all,  what  does  such  calculation  prove  ?  Hay  is 
not  the  exclusive  provender  of  the  bovine  race.  Their  food  is 
either  dry,  or  very  dry,  or  green,  or  pulpous,  or  mealy,  or  liq- 
uid, all  which  variations  M.  Colin's  calculation  has  left  out  of 
consideration.  And  besides,  were  his  estimate  true,  that  an  ox 
required  more  than  a  quarter  of  the  day  for  the  operation  of 
rumination,  he  could  no  longer  be  employed  as  a  substitute  for 
the  horse  in  certain  mountainous  countries  where  the  latter  is 
unavailable.  But  the  fact  is,  that  the  ox's  food  is  not  often 
hay  alone. 

"  The  author  (M.  Colin)  confirms  the  fact  of  the  aliments, 
after  detention  in  the  rumen  being  known  to  become  acid, 
though,  after  return  into  the  mouth  and  mastication  for  some 
seconds,  they  evince  alkaline  reaction ;  tumeric  paper  recov- 
ering its  blue  but  very  tardily. 

"  Mastication  being  the  most  tangible  act  of  the  operation  of 
rumination,  we  are  enabled  concerning  it  to  speak  Crith  more 
confidence.  M.  Colin  has  used  the  word  merycique  to  denote 
this  process.  The  more  simple  treatment  of  the  subject,  how- 
ever, appears  to  be  to  consider  mastication  as  preparatory  and 
ruminatory. 

"  M.  Colin  has  divided  rumination  into  unilateral  and  its  vari- 
eties, and  alternate  and  its.  varieties.  In  this,  however,  he  ap- 
pears to  commit  a  grand  mistake.  There  may  be  such  distinc- 
tions made  in  mastication,  though  we  would  rather  call  them 
preparatory  and  ruminatory,  and  say  the  grand  act  of  rumination 
is  an  intermediate  process.  To  make  rumination  consist  in  the 
action  of  the  jaws  is  to  confound  the  accessory  with  the  princi- 
pal act,  the  sensible  operations  with  the  insensible  ones.  There- 
fore, instead  of  saying  unilateral  and  alternate  rumination,  we 
would  say  unilateral  and  alternate  mastication. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  .  95 

"  As  to  unilateral  mastication,  the  jaw,  like  other  parts  of 
the  bodj,  is  not  symmetrical  in  its  operation  ;  its  action,  owing 
to  various  causes,  may  be  more  energetic  on  one  side  than  en 
the  other.  Nor  need  we  say  that  mastication  will  be  prolonged 
by  certain  kinds  of  food,  by  age,  etc.,  or  that  it  will  be  com- 
paratively tardy  or  rapid  at  one  time  to  what  it  is  at  another, 
owing  to  similar  obvious  causes.  It  may  likewise  be  inter- 
rupted by  any  thing  alarming  the  animal,  or  provoking  his  at- 
tention during  the  act ;  and  whenever  he  finds  it  impossible  to 
continue  mastication,  with  an  effort  he  swallows  the  cud.  We 
have  seen  the  cud  re-ascend  into  the  gullet,  and  no  sooner  be- 
come lodged  there  than  redescend  again  into  the  stomach  ;  as 
though  the  contractile  force  which  has  caused  its  ascent  so  far 
had  become  expended  at  that  spot.  And  we  have  reproduced 
the  same  phenomenon  by  counteracting,  by  vigorously  seizing 
hold  of  the  oesophagus  with  the  hand,  the  contractile  force 
which  caused  the  cud  to  ascend,  and  this  has  been  followed  by 
its  redescent.  But  where  to  ?  Into  the  rumen,  the  reticulum, 
or  the  manyplus  ?  We  can  answer  only  by  hypothesis.  It  is 
probable  that  such  aliment  as  had  not  received  sufficient 
attrition  should  fall  back  into  the  first  two  compartments,  such 
parts  as  contained  the  most  fluid  passing  into  the  reticulum,  those 
the  most  solid  into  the  rumen. 

*'  The  deglutition  of  rumination  is  attended  with  a  remarkable 
phenomenon.  While  it  is  going  on,  and  the  aliment  is  being 
subjected  to  the  action  of  the  jaws,  a  motion  is  perceptible 
along  the  oesophagus.  M.  Colin  asks  the  reason  for  this  ?  In 
our  opinion  it  is  owing  to  the  involuntary  deglutition  of  liquid 
matters  left  in  the  back  of  the  throat  by  the  passage  of  the  cud. 
In  proof  whereof  comes  the  shortness  of  the  interval  between 
the  commencement  of  mastication  and  this  perceptible  motion. 
At  the  time  the  aliment  is  re-ascending  into  the  mouth,  there  is 
to  be  heard  along  the  oesophagus  a  gurgling  sort  of  noise  ;  in 
some  cases  it  amounts  to  a  kind  of  eructation.  The  cud  no 
sooner  reaches  the  oesophagus  than  there  comes  to  be  seen,  after 
a  slight  catch  {souhresant),  a  fresh  cud  re-ascending  to  the 
mouth  with  a  speed  nearly  equal  to  that  with  which  the  other 


96  THE  NATUUK  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

descended.  These  intermediate  deglutitions  going  on  without 
s^nj  cessation  of  mastication,  we  have  shown  that  they  com- 
mence immediately  the  cud  has  entered  the  mouth,  and  are  in- 
voluntary, their  number  varying  from  two  to  three,  rarely  being 
four.  One  or  two  happen  consecutively  ;  but  it  is  rarely  we 
reckon  four-  during  the  mastication  of  the  cud.  If  at  this  time 
the  ear  be  applied  to  the  left  side  of  the  pharynx,  borborysm  is 
heard  at  the  time  deglutition  takes  place,  when  the  cud  ar- 
rives in  the  mouth,  at  the  very  moment  even  that  it  is  passing 
over  the  isthmus  of  the  throat.  In  general,  the  quantity  of 
fluid  which  ascends  along  with  the  cud,  in  order  to  facilitate  its 
passage  and  prove  effective  for  ruminatory  mastication,  is  con- 
siderable, especially  when  animals  are  fed  on  green  forage  or 
roots. 

"  M.  Colin  asserts  that  no  more  than  four  or  five  seconds  elapse 
between  the  deglutition  and  rejection  of  the  cud,  but  does  not 
inform  us  how  such  calculation  is  arrived  at.  To  properly  es- 
timate the  time,  we  should  reckon  the  number  of  seconds  inter- 
vening between  the  cessation  of  mastication  at  the  moment  of 
voluntary  deglutition,  and  the  return  of  a  fresh  cud  into  the 
mouth  to  be  masticated.  And  short  as  is  this  interval,  yet  it  is 
divisible  into  three  acts :  the  descent  of  the  chewed  cud ;  the 
formation  of  a  fresh  cud  ;  and  the  ascent  of  the  last. 

"  We  can  understand  its  being  necessary  that  the  swallowed 
cud  should  pass  first  through  the  oesophagus  to  have  the  passage 
free  for  the  new  cud ;  in  the  course  of  which  passage  it  is  that 
the  latter  obtains  its  formation.  To  say  that  the  cud  is  seized 
and  rejected  by  the  oesophagus,  is  to  convey  false  notions.  There 
is  in  operation,  in  all  the  parts  concerned,  a  continuity/  of  con- 
traction which  sets  aside  all  notion  of  independent  action ;  which 
successive  contractile  force  now  and  then  becomes  expended,  as 
we  have  seen  in  the  stoppage  of  the  cud  in  the  middle  of  the 
neck ;  whence  it  again,  instead  of  passing  upward,  descends. 
We  can,  as  we  have  likewise  seen,  should  the  cud  remain  in 
arrest,  by  pressure,  cause  its  re-descent ;  but  when  once  it  has 
become  sufficiently  masticated,  give  what  pressure  we  may,  we 
cannot  force  the  cud  in  the  reverse  direction,  upward,  towards 


THE    DISEASES    OP    CATTLE.  97 

the  mouth.  On  the  contrary,  indeed,  the  moment  such  pressure 
is  resumed,  it  will  redescend. 

"  We  concur  with  M.  Colin  that  the  cud  which  is  returned  to 
the  mouth  requires  being  soaked  in  fluid  to  render  its  passage 
easy  ;  but  we  do  not  hold  with  him  that  such  fluid  is  furnished 
by  the  rumen  or  by  the  reticulum.  It  cannot  come  from  the 
rumen,  because  fluid  never  exists  there  in  any  quantity.  And 
as  for  the  water  within  the  receptacle,  fluid  there  not  only  me- 
chanically facilitates  the  displacement  of  the  alimentary  matters, 
but  plays  a  most  important  part  in  the  insensible  operations  of 
rumination. 

"  A  certain  quantity  of  ingesta  becomes  requisite  for  the  con- 
traction of  the  rumen  :  it  being  rendered  inert  either  by  being 
surcharged  with  aliment  or  through  emptiness.  While  for  the 
due  execution  of  rumination  is  required  a  proportionality  be- 
tween the  aliment  taken  in  and  the  aliment  under  rumination. 
But  the  food  may  not  be  in  excess  within  the  rumen,  and  yet 
the  organ  suffer  from  distention,  from  the  disengagement  within 
it  of  a  quantity  of  gas  ;  while  which  state  continues,  rumination 
ceases.  In  a  state  of  vacuity  the  rumen  lacks  the  point  (Taddui 
requisite  for  contraction  ;  the  same  as  is  sometimes  seen  in  the 
uterus  in  which  no  water  is  collected,  stifling,  as  it  were,  the 
stimulating  and  provocative  pains  within  it.  The  impossibility 
of  rumination  under  vacuity  of  rumen  seems  to  prove  to  us, 
that  the  abdominal  muscles  play  but  a  feeble  part  in  the  act  of 
rumination.  We  also  think  that  the  cessation  of  the  act,  after 
paralysis  being  effected  through  section  of  the  spinal  marrow 
in  the  dorsal  region,  in  M.  Flouren's  experiment,  was  occasioned 
by  the  weakening  of  the  constrictive  force  of  the  abdominal 
parietes,  which,  in  the  natural  condition,  operates  as  a  counter- 
active to  the  weight  of  the  viscera. 

"  After  taking  in  a  suflUciency  of  food,  the  animal  seeks  repose 
for  a  longer  or  shorter  time,  during  which  are  elaborating  the 
matters  afterwards  to  become  subjected  to  rumination.  A  silent, 
shady  retreat  is  sought  after  by  the  timid  beast,  flying  from  all 
molestation,  avoiding  every  thing,  in  fact,  that  might  interrupt 
comfortable  rumination.  As  soon  as  the  act  commences,  various 
9 


98      '     THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

postures  are  assumed,  the  most  usual  one  being  lying  down. 
The  camel  under  such  circumstances  will  often  gather  his  fore 
limbs  underneath  his  body,  and  lie  dowYi  upon  his  breast  as 
an  ostrich  does.  M.  Colin  asserts  that  in  the  stable  animals 
will  ruminate  without  intermission  for  half  an  hour  or  an  hour, 
or  longer.  But  this  we  cannot  confirm  ;  for  our  own  part,  we 
should  say  intermissions  are  much  more  frequent. 

"  Cessation  of  rumination  is  a  grave  affair.  In  disease,  in 
fact,  if  we  do  not  succeed  in  re-establishing  this  primordial  act 
of  digestion,  though  it  be  but  in  an  irregular  manner,  the  con- 
sequences may  be  serious,  while  the  disease  itself  increases  in 
danger.  And  while  cessation  of  rumination  must  be  accounted 
unfavorable,  its  return  may  be  hailed  as  favorable.  These 
reflections  teach  us  that  the  diet  in  cases  of  sickness  should 
neither  even  be  unrestricted  or  forbidden,  since  vacuity  of 
rumen  fno  less  than  that  of  repletion)  could  not  fail  to  injure 
digestion. 

"  Imperfect  as  the  foregoing  sketch  of  rumination  must  be 
acknowledged  to  be,  still,  from  the  nature  of  the  subject,  we 
could  hardly  expect  more.  There  are  certain  sensible  phe- 
nomena which  cannot  by  the  imagination  even  be  descried 
when  we  consider  how  digestion  enters  into  every  act  of  it.  To 
give  one  example  of  this :  At  the  time  that  rumination  is  in 
its  fullest  activity,  if  the  back  of  the  hand  be  thurst  into  the 
lefl  flank  so  as  to  press  against  the  rumen,  the  contractions 
and  displacements  taking  place  in  it  are  to  be  plainly  felt  i  even 
the  eye  can  discover  these  undulatory  motions  connected  with 
rumination.  And  yet  these  motions  have  escaped  the  notice 
of  all  who  have  seen  in  the  motion  of  the  flank  nothing  beyond 
the  general  effect.  Although  in  this  general  motion,  in  unity 
with  the  act  of  respiration,  is  concealed  an  evolution  of  the 
rumen  observable  by  the  attentive  eye  alone.  This  is  a  phe- 
nomenon of  which  we  have  had  additional  evidence  afforded  lis 
by  placing  animals  in  a  stable  facing  the  north,  in  such 
position  that  the  rays  of  light  impinged  upon  them  at  an  angle 
of  about  45°.  By  this  simple  means,  a  shadow  has  been  pro- 
duced which,  descending  upon  the  transverse  vertebral  processes 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  ~  99 

of  the  loins,  so  crossed  the  left  flank,  that,  while  the  entire 
movement  of  it  which  made  the  shadow  general  showed  the 
act  of  respiration,  the  creeping  and  gradual  encroachment  of  it 
upon  the  lower  part  of  the  flank  indicated  the  contractions  of 
the  rumen. 

"  It  has  struck  us  as  being  possible  to  carry  our  investigations 
further  by  inquires  per  rectum.  With  this  view  we  have  intro- 
duced our  arm  into  the  rectum  of  the  cow  at  the  time  of  feeding, 
and  carrying  it  towards  the  left  flank  have  perceived  the  same 
movements  as  were  visible  to  us  in  the  palpitation  of  the  flank 
externally.  We  have  endeavored  to  make  the  same  inquiries 
during  rumination,  but  no  sooner  had  this  been  attempted  than 
almost  immediately  has  the  act  ceased.  If  the  ear  be  applied 
to  the  cardiac  region,  extraordinary  agitation  is  heard  in  the 
great  gastric  cavities:  a  sound  beomes  very  distinguishable 
resembling  a  noise  made  by  an  oar  splashing  in  the  water,  and 
that  of  the  water  afterwards  dropping  from  it  when  raised.  At 
the  same  time  gaseous  sounds  are  heard.  If  it  be  true  that  the 
salivary  gland  be  remarked  to  be  swollen  at  the  time  of 
rumination,  it  could  not  fail  to  interest  us  to  know  if  such  turges- 
cence  be  greater  during  preparatory  mastication  than  while 
ruminating.  We  have  pervailed  on  M.  Clement,  chef  de 
service  of  chemistry,  to  make  for  us  an  analysis  of  the  rumina- 
tory  cud  obtained  through  compression  of  the  oesophagus ;  and 
the  following  is  the  result :  — 

"  Ruminatory  Cud. 

"  Water, 93.21 

Organic  matter, 5.25 

Soluble  alkaline  salts, 0.22 

Insoluble  salts, 1 .32 

100.00 

"  By  the  way  of  sequel  to  the  above,  we  collected  from  the 
reticulum  of  a  bullock,  about  to  be  slaughtered,  some  of  the 
fluid  contained  in  it,  which  likewise  M.  Clement  has  had  the 
kindness  to  analyze. 


100  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

"  Water  of  the  Reticulum. 

"  Water, 94.08 

Organic  matter, 5.46 

Soluble  alkaline  salts, 0.24 

Insoluble  salts, 0.22 

100.00 
BLOAT,   HOVEN,  Oil  TYMPANITES. 

The  term  "  hloat "  has  long  been  discarded  by  Veterinarians, 
as  an  indefinite  term,  signifying  a  state  of  turgescence,  dilation, 
inflation,  or  puffiness,  which  is  merely  indicative  of  chariges  in 
the  form  and  condition  of  parts,  without  regard  to  the  actual 
seat  or  nature  of  the  difficulty.  For  example,  a  horse  is  bloated 
when  he  becomes  the  subject  of  subcellular  emphysema,*  or 
cEdema,t  etc.,  etc.  However,  as  every  farmer  appears  to  be 
somewhat  conversant  with  the  condition  of  the  animal  known 
as  "  bloat,"  or  "  hoven,"  we  shall  not  offer  any  remarks 
calculated  to  mystify  him,  but,  merely  suggest  that  the  term, 
tympanites  be  substituted  for  "  hloat"  Tympanites  intestinalis, 
signifies  a  distension  of  the  intestines,  with  wind  or  gas, 
accompanied  by  an  elastic  distension  of  tlie  abdomen  ;  the  latter 
when  struck  or  sounded  by  a  blow,  sounds  like  a  drum,  and 
indicates  a  windy  distension  of  the  abdominal  viscera,\ 
commonly  known  ^?,  flatulent  colic. 

Tympanites  rumenites,  signifies  distension  of  the  rumen,  in  the 
hovine  species,  —  the  ox  and  cow,  —  and  in  the  phraseology  of 
tl»e  grazier,  is  known  as  hloat  or  hoven. 

Causes  of  Bloat,  or  tympanites.  — The  direct  cause  of  flatu- 
lency and  windy  distension,  is  imperfect  digestion  ;  in  such 
cases  the  food,  instead  of  undergoing  the  normal  process  of 
digestion,  whereby  it  is  converted  into  chyme  and  chyle,  fer- 
ments and  evolves  gasses,  either  carbonic  acid,  or  sulphuretted 
hydrogen,  and,  as  "  a  little  leaven  leavens  the  whole  loaf,"  so 

♦  Distension  of  the  cellular  membrane  beneath  the  skin,  with  gas. 

t  Dropsical  tumefaction. 

X  Viscera.  —  A  bowel  or  organ  within  the  body. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLK.  101 

the  fermentation,  once  commenced  in  the  stomach,  goes  on  until 
tlie  food  is  in  a  state  of  putrefaction,  or  up  to  the  period  when  all 
its  gaseous  material  has  been  extracted ;  ere  this  takes  place, 
it  frequently  happens  that  the  animal  dies,  either  by  rupture  of 
the  rumen,  or  some  portion  of  the  abdominal  viscera.  In  some 
cases,  unrelieved,  the  distension  is  so  great  that  the  animal  dies 
in  a  state  of  suffocation,  occasioned  by  the  pressure  on  the  dia- 
phragm, and  other  important  parts  and  organs. 

Imperfect  indigestion  may  be  occasioned  by  a  deranged 
condition  of  the  digestive  organs,  induced  by  various  causes, 
such  as  give  rise  to  the  samfe  phenomena  in  man,  viz.,  errors  in 
diet ;  sudden  changes  in  the  same  ;  thus,  if  stall-fed  animals  be 
turned  into  a  field  of  clover,  or  into  a  luxuriant  pasture,  they  not 
only  eat  greedily  and  create  an  undue  distension  of  the  stomach, 
but  the}'  partake  of  food  containing  a  large  amount  of  aqueous 
matter,  which  every  one  knows  is  more  indigestible  than  dry 
food,  and  such  a  sudden  change  of  diet  is  not  always  to  be 
tolerated.  There  can  be  no  dispute  about  the  causes  of  bloat, 
hoven  or  tympanites ;  it  evidently  is  occasioned  by  imperfect 
digestion.  As  a  general  proposition,  therefore  we  may  con- 
tend that  all  indigestible  matter  may  directly  or  indirectly 
produce  a  tympany  of  the  abdominal  viscera,  and  we  may  also 
contend  that  an  animal  may  occasionally  become  tympanic, 
under  the  most  intelligent  management,  owing  to  some  inhe- 
rent idiosyncrasy*  in  the  local  organs,  honestly  inherited  from 
sire  or  dam,  or  their  ancestors.  Hence,  the  reader  will  infer 
that  this  dyspepsia,  or  indigestion,  is  like  various  other  diseases 
which  seem  to  appear  without  any  direct  cause,  transmissible 
not  always,  directly,  but  by  predisposition  to  this  and  other 
maladies,  which  is  said  "  to  lurk  in  breed  and  conformation  " 
over  which  we  have  but  little  control,  other  than  palliative. 

Treatment  of  Bloat,  Hoven,  or  Tympanites.  —  Supposing 
the  abdomen  to  be  distended  to  its  utmost  capacity,  by  the 
extricated  gas,  and  the  animal  is  oppressed  and  distressed  in 
the  act  of  breathing,  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost ;  it  is  useless  to 

*  Singularity  of  Constitution, 
q* 


102  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OK 

resort  to  drug  medication,  —  the  case  is  imminent.  The  gas 
must  be  evacuated  immediately,  and  we  therefore  puncture  the 
flank  on  the  left  side,  in  its  most  salient  region,  by  means  of 
the  trocar  and  canula ;  *  immediate  escape  of  the  gas  is  the 
result,  and  the  patient  is  soon  relieved  ;  now  we  may  resort  to 
medication,  and  that  medicine  is  the  best  which  is  calculated  to 
arouse  the  action  of  the  stomach  and  arrest  fermentation  ;  with 
these  objects  in  view,  I  recommend  the  following :  Hyposul- 
phite of  soda,  4  drachms  ;  tincture  of  ginger,  2  ounces  ;  water, 
one  pint.  Dissolve  the  hyposulphite  in  the  water,  and  then  add 
the  tincture  of  ginger.  Drench  the*  animal  with  the  same.  If 
the  tincture  of  ginger  cannot  be  obtained,  then  substitute  4 
drachms  of  the  pulverized  root.  If  the  case  be  curable,  the 
above  treatment  is  almost  sure  to  afford  relief.  The  medicine, 
however  may  he  repeated  at  the  end  of  four  houi*s,  if  necessary. 

Remarks  on  the  Introduction  of  the  Trocar.  —  Having  as- 
certained that  the  animal  is  in  a  dangerous  condition,  owing  to 
the  great  quantity  of  gas  present  within  the  rumen,  the  most 
prominent  point  of  the  left  flank  should  then  be  selected.  Here 
mal^  an  incision  through  the  integument,  sufficiently  large  to 
admit  the  instrument ;  then  draw  the  skin  upward,  and  punc- 
ture the  abdomen  ;  in  this  way  we  make  an  indirect  opening, 
so  that  when  the  trocar  is  withdrawn,  the  integument  covers  the 
orifice  made  last.  The  trocar  must  be  kept  very  sharp  or  keen, 
so  that  it  may,  without  using  much  force,  penetrate  the  perito- 
neum, and  lastly,  the  rumen  ;  once  within  the  latter,  all  resist- 
ance ceases ;  the  trocar  is  now  withdrawn,  and  the  canula  re- 
mains, for  the  passage  of  the  gas.  In  bad  cases,  the  moment 
the  cutting  instrument  is  withdrawn  from  its  sheath,  the  gas 
will  escape,  with  a  noise  resembling  a  steam  whistle,  which 
conveys  to  us  the  idea  that  we  are  in  the  presence  of  a  living 
locomotive,  issuing  a  blast  of  warning  to  keep  out  of  smelling 
distance,  for  ofttimes  the  odor  is  intolerable. 

It  is  best  to  let  the  tube  remain  in  the  stomach  or  paunch, 
until  the  abdomen  is  reduced  to  about  its  natural  size ;  the  in- 

*  An  instrument  somewhat  similar  tp  that  used  for  tapping  the  chest. 


TIIR    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  103 

strument  must  occasionally,  be  drawn  forth  a  little  or  pushed 
forward,  as  the  case  requires,  and  when  it  becomes  obstructed 
with  any  portion  of  the  contents  of  the  stomach,  a  quill  or 
straw  may  be  used  to  clear  the  obstruction,  and  as  the  gas  es- 
capes and  the  paunch  or  bowels  recede,  the  canula,  which  is 
about  six  inches  in  length,  must  be  pushed  forward  as  far  as  it 
will  go. 

Relief  may  sometimes  be  obtained  by  passing  the  probang 
(see  cut  of  instruments)  into  the  stomach,  and  I  should  advise^ 
its  use  in  such  cases  as  those  attended  by  eructation  of  wind  by 
the  mouth,  from  the  stomach. 

DISTENTION  OF  THE  RUMEN  WITH  FOOD. 

It  occasionally  happens  that  the  function  of  the  stomach,  as 
a  whole,  or  a  part  of  the  ^ame,  become  impaired  ;  the  food  is 
then  very  apt  to  accumulate  in  the  rumen ;  or  it  may  happen 
that  an  animal  has  partaken  voraciously  of  meal  or  corn, 
which  becoming  saturated  with  the  fluid  found  in  the  paunch, 
swells  to  such  an  extent  that  there  is  danger  of  its  bursting. 

Symptoms.  —  At  first  the  animal  is  noticed  to  be  uneasy  and 
frequently  shifts  its  position ;  occasionally  moans ;  the  left 
flank  is  swollen  and  hard.  This  swelling  may  be  determined 
by  a  person  taking  a  position  directly  behind  the  animal ;  he 
will  immediately  perceive  the  enlargement.  On  striking  the 
part  with  the  hand,  it  has  no  drum-like  —  tympanitic  —  sound, 
as  in  hoven  or  bloat,  but  has  a  solid  sound,  showing  that  the 
distinction  is  owing  to  the  presence  of  a  quantity  of  solid  food. 
Should  the  medicinal  preparations  fail  to  relieve  the  animal, 
rumination  then  ceases,  the  symptoms  become  aggravated,  the 
brain  sympathizes,  unconsciousness  and  convulsions  occur, 
which  soon  end  in  death. 

Treatment.  —  In  cases  of  extreme  distention,  it  is  all  folly  to 
waste  time  in  administering  medicine ;  an  incision,  about  five 
inches  in  length  should  be  made  through  the  left  flank  into  the 
stomach  ;  then  by  means  of  the  hand  the  indigestible  mass  is 
to  be  removed  ;  this  should  be  done  carefully  so  as  to  prevent 
the  food  falling  into  the  abdominal  cavity.     The  incision  made 


104         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

into  the  rumen  is  then  to  be  stitched,  or  sutured ;  and  lastly^ 
the  integuments  are  brought  together  in  the  same  way.  It 
may, be  proper  to  apply  a  little  tincture  of  matico,  or  tincture 
of  aloes,  to  the  wound.  Having  finished  the  operation,  the 
next  object  is  to  arouse  the  action  of  the  stomach,  for  which 
purpose  I  recommend  the  following:  — 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 3  drachms. 

Hyposulphite  of  Soda, 4  drachms. 

Powdered  Ginger, 2  drachms. 

Warm  Water, 1  pint. . 

Mix,  and  drench  from  a  bottle. 

The  patient  had  better  be  kept  hungry  the  first  twenty-four 
hours  after  the  operation,  then  an  occasional  bran  mash  well 
seasoned  with  table  salt  may  be  allowed. 

Many  cases  of  very  considerable  severity  have  been  relieved 
by  the  above  treatment.  There  is  very  little  danger  attending  an 
operation  of  this  kind  for  the  rumen  is  not  very  highly  organ- 
ized with  either  blood  vessels  or  nerves.  I  have  known  several 
instances  in  which  this  operation  has  been  performed  in  the 
rudest  possible  manner,  wi^h  a  common  jackknife,  and  yet 
the  animals  operated  on  recovered. 

The  intelligent  husbandman,  howevej,  will  if  possible,  secure 
the  services  of  a  surgeon  for  the  performance  of  all  operations 
requiring  skill  and  good  judgment. 

Removal  of  the  Sutures  or  Stitches.  —  The  incis- 
ion into  the  rumen  having  been  secured  by  very  fine  yet  strong 
thread,  and  the  ends  cut  off,  ne^ds  none  of  our  attention.  The 
external  sutures,  however,  will  have  to  be  removed  in  the  course 
of  a  week  or  ten  days ;  we  merely  cut  the  knot  and  withdraw 
the  suture. 

GASTRO-INTESTINAL    INFLAMMATION. 

Gastro-intestinal  inflammation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  is 
frequently  occasioned  by  the  presence  of  concretions  and  hair 
balls,  or  some  other  foreign  bodies.  There  are  many  plants, 
such  as  hemlock,  crowfoot,  henbane,  wild  poppy,  etc.,  which  act 
as  poisons,  and  induce  an  inflammatory  condition  of  the  stom- 
ach and  intestines.     An  animal  may  feed  on  substances  which 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


105 


are  too  dry  and  fibrous  ;  they  accumulate  and  distend  the  stom- 
ach beyond  its  normal  capacity  ;  or  the  manyplus  may  contract 
spasmodically  and  imprison  the  food  ;  in  either  case  an  inflam- 
matory condition  is  the  result. 


THE  INTESTINES  OF  A  COW. 


Explanations.  —  1.  The  duodenum.  2.  The  jejunum.  3.  The  ileum. 
4.  The  coecum,  or  blind  gut.  5.  The  colon.  6.  The  rectum.  7.  The  mes- 
sentery.  8.  Messenteric  glands.  9.  The  bloodvessels  of  the  abdominal 
viscera. 

The  length  of  the  intestines  of  an  ox  are  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
feet,  or  about  twenty-one  times  the  length  of  his  body. 


The  treatment  of  a  disease  of  this  character  is  very  unsatis- 
factory, and  it  is  very  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  write  out 
any  directions  that  shall  meet  the  emergencies  in  cases  of  the 
above  character. 

The  following  case  communicated  for  the  Veterinarian,  by 


106         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

surgeon  Redwood,  will  give  the  reader  a  better  idea  of  this 
malady  than  the  author  can  furnish ;  his  experience  being 
rather  limited  in  treatment  of  this  affection :  — 

"  I  have  forwarded  to  you  a  jar  containing  portions  of  the 
abomasum  of  a  cow  that  I  have  had  slaughtered,  seeing  that 
further  treatment  was  altogether  useless.  You  will  perceive  a 
large  gangrenous  spot  on  the  inner  coat  of  the  above  viscus, 
which  I  consider  was  the  cause  of  the  symptoms  presented.  I 
have  also  sent  you  portions  of  the  ilium  and  jejunum,  which 
will  afford  you  some  idea  of  the  intensity  of  the  spasmodic  ac- 
tion with  which  these  intestines  were  affected.  The  whole  of 
the  small  intestines  presented  the  most  marked  spasmodic  con- 
dition ;  in  fact  they  were  like  so  many  muscular  cylindrical 
cords,  and  impervious  to  any  body  larger  than  that  of  an  ordi- 
nary sized  goose-quill. 

"  Now,  all  the  diseased  conditions  are  enumerated  in  the 
above  brief  description.  Every  other  organ  —  except  the 
liver,  which  had  a  little  deposit  of  earthy  matter  in  a  few  of 
its  larger  bihary  tubes,  a  very  common  condition  of  the  gland 
—  both  in  the  thorax  and  the  abdomen,  presented  the  most 
healthy  aspect.     The  animal  was  ill  but  thirty-six  hours. 

"  The  following  were  the  symptoms  observed  and  the  treat- 
ment adopted  :  — 

"  The  patient  was  a  dairy-cow,  five  years  old,  in  excellent 
condition,  living  on  straw  alone  for  the  last  fourteen  days,  five 
months  advanced  in  pregnancy,  and  never  had  been  ill  before, 
being  bred  on  the  farm. 

"  When  I  first  visited  her  she  evinced  all  the  symptoms  of 
hoven,  and  that  to  a  great  extent,  so  much  so,  that  at  one  time 
I  was  about  to  introduce  the  trocar,  for  the  purpose  of  afford- 
ing relief,  yet  knowing  the  animal  could  not  have  had  access  to 
succulent  diet,  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  this  was  the  effect 
of  the  chemical  laws  acting  on  vegetable  matter,  over  which 
the  stomachs  had  in  some  degree  lost  their  vital  influence.  Tlie 
poor  animal  was  in  great  agony,  shown  by  loud  groaning, 
though  rarely  lying  down ;  eyes  sunk   in  their  oibits  ;  pulse 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  107 

quick  and  irritable,  but  not  such  as  to  indicate  or  warrant  de- 
pletion. Occasionally  a  quantity  of  the  fluid  contents  of  the 
rumen  were  regurgitated  through  the  nose  and  mouth ;  almost, 
it  would  appear,  involuntarily.  She  also,  at  intervals,  voided  a 
small  quantity  of  commingled  aqueous  and  mucous  fluid  per 
anum  ;  although,  as  before  remarked,  from  the  moment  she  was 
observed  to  be  ill,  not  the  smallest  portion  of  ingesta  passed 
the  abomasum,  which,  together  with  all  the  other  stomachs,  was 
partially  filled  with  food  in  a  pultaceous  state. 

"  It  appeared  to  me  evident  that  the  obstruction  to  the  passage 
was  caused  by  spasmodic  action  of  the  pyloric  orifice,  the  action 
extending  throughout  the  greater  portion,  or  all,  of  the  small 
intestines. 

*'  Will  you  favor  me  with  your  opinion  as  to  the  cause  of  the 
circumscribed  and  intense  inflammation  of  the  villous  coat  of 
the  true  stomach,  and  say  if  you  think  it  arose  from  any  chem- 
ical irritant  ? 

"  The  treatment  consisted  in  the  exhibition  of  spt.  ammonias 
aromatic  with  the  carbonate  ;  aperients,  and  at  last  the  chlo- 
rides, but  all  proved  inert,  no  benefit  whatever  accruing  there- 
from. Had  I  suspected  spasm  to  such  a  marked  extent,  I 
should  certainly  have  given  large  doses  of  ext.  belladonnse  and 
hyosciami,  both  in  the  form  of  enema  and  by  the  mouth.  As  it 
was,  my  treatment  was  directed  solely  to  the  symptoms  evinced  ; 
and  when  I  found  that  all  the  usual  remedies  were  of  no  avail, 
as  the  animal  was  in  high  condition,  I  thought  it  best  to  have 
her  destroyed. 

"  [The  lining  membrane  of  that  portion  of  the  alimentary 
canal  forwarded  by  Mr.  Redwood,  was  throughout  in  a  state  of 
congestion,  presenting  here  and  there  depressed  or  cuplike 
patches,  which  apparently  resulted  from  ulceration,  commencing 
in  the  sub-mucous  tissue.  The  ulceration  had  also  penetrated, 
in  spots,  the  substance  of  the  mucous  membrane.  This  condi- 
tion of  parts  is  somewhat  singular,  and  might  have  had  its  ori- 
gin in  the  existence  of  some  local  irritant.]" 


108 


THE   NATURE   AND    TREATMENT    OF 


DENTITION  OF  CATTLE. 


Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci-        Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci- 
sors at  birth.  sors  about  one  week  after  birth. 


Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci-        Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci- 
sors about  two  weeks  after  birth.  sors  about   thi  ee  weeks    or   a 

month  after  birth. 


TUE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


109 


DENTITION  OF  CATTLE. 


Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci-  Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci- 
sors at  the  age  of  eight  or  nine  sors  at  the  ages  of  ten  or  eleven 
months.  months. 


Appearance  of  the  temporaiy  inci-  Appearance  of  the  temporary  inci- 
sors at  the  age  of  fifteen  or  six-  sors  at  the  ajie  of  eighteen  or 
teen  months.  nineteen  montljs. 
10 


no 


THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 


DENTITION  OF  CATTLE. 


Appearance  of  the  temporary 
and  permanent  incisors  at  the 
age  of  about  two  years. 


Appearance  of  the  temporary 
and  permanent  incisors  at  the 
age  of  three  years. 


Appearance  of  the  six  permanent 
incisors,  and  two  temporary,  at 
the  age  of  four. 


Appearance  of  the  permanent  in- 
cisors at  the  nge  of  five,  or  be- 
tween tlie  fifth  and  sixth  years. 
The  animal  is  now  said  to  have 
a  full  mouth. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 
DENTITION  OF  CATTLE. 


Ill 


Appearance  of  the  permanent  in-  Appearance  of  the  permanent  in- 
cisors at  the  age  of  about  six  cisors  at  the  age  of  about  ten 
years.                                                      years. 

SYNOPSIS  OF  DENTITION. 

INCISORS. 

Temporary  incisors  all  prominent  at  the  end  of  one  month. 

The  two  central  permanent  incisors  appear  in  from  twenty 
to  twenty-four  months. 

The  two  inner  middle  permanent  incisors  appear  at  about 
the  age  of  three. 

The  two  outer  middle  permanent  incisors  appear  at  about  the 
age  of  four. 

The  corner  permanent  incisors  appear  between  the  ages  of 
live  and  six. 

UOLABS,   OR  GRINDERS. 

Temporary  molars,  three  in  each  jaw  above,  and  belowj  on 
both  sides,  are  prominent  at  birth  or  within  four  weeks  of  that 
period. 

Fourth  temporary  molars  are  cut  at  the  age  of  six  months. 

Fifth  temporary  molars  are  cut  at  the  age  of  fifteen  months. 

Sixth  temporary  molars  are  cut  at  the  age  of  from  two  years 
to  thirty  months. 

The  first  and  second  permanent  molars  are  cut  at -the  age  of 
•  about  two  years. 

The  third  molar  is  cut  at  about  the  age  of  three  ;  the  fourth 
appears  at  the  age  of  four ;  the  fifth  at  the  age  of  five ;  and 
the  sixth  at  the  age  of  six. 


112         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

SUSPENDED  RUMINATION  OR  LOSS  OF  CUD. 

Some  people,  who  are  in  the  habit  of  prescribing  for  loss  of 
cud,  more  properly  termed  "  cessation  of  rumination,"  suppose 
that  if  they  can  only  restore  the  lost  function  the  trouble  will 
end.  This  is  certainly  very  desirable,  for  an  improvement  in  the 
appetite  of  sick  animals  is  a  sure  sign  of  rapid  recovery ;  yet 
a  restoration  of  the  cud  alone  will  not  always  insure  a  cure  ; 
neither  are  the  remedies  prescribed  by  some,  calculated  to  ac- 
complish this  object.  One  man  recommends  a  red  herring  to 
be  thrust  down  the  throat ;  another  a  portion  of  the  quid,  or 
cud,  of  a  healthy  cow.  Others  recommend  raw  beef,  pork, 
pepper,  etc.  This  results  from  mistaking  symptoms  for  disease, 
for  loss  of  cud  is  nothing  more  than  a  symptom  of  deranged 
digestive  function,  or  that  of  other  organs  sympathetically  as- 
sociated with  it.  Those  who  have  the  care  of  cattle,  and 
prescribe  for  them  when  sick,  are  not  supposed  to  be  able  to 
trace  loss  of  cud  to  derangement  of  one  or  a  class  of  organs,  un- 
less they  shall  have  had  the  advantages  of  a  medical  education, 
which  is  not  often  the  case.  They  ai-e  not  acquainted  with  the 
various  sympathetic  relations  that  exist  in  the  animal  economy, 
neither  can  they  understand  why  an  abnormal  condition  of  one 
organ  produces  a  corresponding  effect  in  one  or  a  class  of 
organs  remotely  situated ;  nevertheless,  such  are  the  facts. 
Many  a  poor  cow  has  been  thus  forced  to  swallow  down  a  red 
herring  (bones  and  all)  or  "  another  cow's  quid  "  (not  of  tobacco, 
for  none  other  than  two-legged  animals  chew  quids  of  this 
description),  and  we  can  readily  conceive  that  such  articles 
may,  for  the  time  being,  arouse  the  digestive  organs,  and  create 
an  unnatural  appetite  in  animals  of  such  refined  taste  and  nice 
discrimination  as  the  cow.  A  red  herring,  either  whole  or 
comminuted  by  the  grinders,  and  then  swallowed,  only  creates 
irritation  on  the  mucous  surfaces  of  the  various  compartments 
of  the  stom'ach ;  an  unusual  abundance  of  blood  flows  into  the 
walls  of  that  organ,  the  circulation  of  that  fluid  is  quickened, 
the  gastric  juice  flows  more  readily,  and  the  digestive  function 
is  exalted.     A  repetition  of  the  practice  enfeebles  the  power 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  113 

of  the  stomach,  its  action  is  quickened  at  expenditure  of  power, 
for  all  unnatural  excitement  of  a  natural  function  is  followed 
by  a  corresponding  depression. 

A  stimulant,  and  red  herring  may  be  classed  as  such,  creates 
a  desire  for  food ;  but  then  the  animal  may  be  laboring  under 
an  acute  disease  of  some  organ,  when  food  would  be  inad- 
missible, or  the  stomach  may  be  overburdened  and  unable  to 
digest  what  is  already  there,  and  therefore  requires  rest,  as  any 
other  organ  would  after  long-continued  action. 

The  stomach  is  one  of  the  most  important  organs,  and  per- 
forms some  of  the  most  delicate  operations  in  the  animal  econ- 
omy ;  its  functions  may  be  suspended  from  various  causes,  and 
it  is  the  province  of  the  practitioner  to  learn  and  understand 
the  why  and  wherefore  of  its  derangement.  In  many  cases 
the  stomach  craves  no  food  because  it  cannot  digest  it ;  and 
merely  creating  an  appetite  by  stimulants,  is  worse  than  use- 
less, for  whatever  is  then  eaten  cannot  be  converted  into 
chyme,  nor  can  the  lacteals  take  it  up,  and  apply  it  to  the 
purposes  of  nutrition. 

Whenever  an  animal  is  suffering  from  disease,  pain,  or  ex- 
citement, there  will  often  be  absence  of  appetite  (loss  of  cud), 
and  this  function  is  suspended  because  the  animal  is  drawn 
from  it  by  his  sufferings. 

The  real  seat  of  sensation  of  hunger  is  in  the  brain,  not  in 
the  stomach  alone,  as  some  suppose ;  the  latter  may  first 
communicate  some  such  sensation  to  the  brain,  yet  if  that  organ 
be  in  a  deranged  condition,  unable  to  recognize  the  want,  then 
^e  must  impart  healthy  action  to  it,  and  establish  an  equilib- 
rium between  the  nervous  and  general  system,  in  order  to 
produce  a  natural  appetite.  Do  you  wish  to  know  how  to  do 
this?  If  so,  study  the  veterinary  art.  That  the  appetite  is 
affected  by  the  state  of  health,  both  of  the  body  and  mind,  is 
certain.  Human  practitioners  realize  that.  "  In  fever,  pain,  and 
in  certain  dyspeptic  states,  the  stomach  craves  little  or  no  food. 
So  in  mental  distress,  in  times  of  great  fear,  or  sorrow,  or 
extreme  anxiety,  the  appetite  fails.  Even  in  a  single  moment 
10* 


114         THK  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

the  appetite  may  be  suspended  by  any  sudden  mental  affection 
or  emotion."  Animals  are  known  to  manifest  mental  emotion 
when  separated  from  their  offspring,  or  from  those  with  whom 
they  have  been  accustomed  to  work  or  associate,  and  many 
cases  are  on  record  showing  that  animals,  when  deprived  of 
the  society  of  their  fellows,  refuse  their  food,  and  die  of  grief; 
so  that  in  this  particular  the  brute  does  not  differ  from  his 
master.  Is  it  not  a  matter  of  importance  then,  to  ascertain 
the  cause  of  loss  of  cud  (appetite)  before  we  prescribe  red 
herrings,  etc.  ? 

"  Loss  of  cud,"  says  Mr.  Youatt,  "  is  more  a  symptom  of 
disease  than  a  disease  of  itself.  It  accompanies  most  inflam- 
matory complaints,  and  is  often  connected  with  those  of  debility. 
It  will  be  the  duty  of  the  practitioner  to  ascertain  the  cause  of 
this  suspension  of  second  mastication,  and  to  adapt  his  mode 
of  treatment  to  the  nature  of  that  cause.  A  dose  of  physic, 
with  a  small  portion  of  aromatic  medicine,  will  be  indicated 
if  any  fever  can  be  detected  ;  more  than  the  usual  quantity  of 
aromatic  should  be  added  in  the  absence  of  fever,  and  still 
more,  with  tonic  and  alterative  medicine,  if  general  debility  is 
indicated.  The  caraway  and  ginger  powder  are  the  best  aro- 
matics,  and  will  supersede  every  other ;  the  gentian  and 
ginger,  with  epsom  salts,  will  prove  a  very  useful  tonic  and 
alterative,  in  cases  of  loss  of  cud,  that  cannot  be  traced  to  any 
particular  diseased  state  of  the  animal."  A  word  to  the  far- 
mer, and  I  have  done.  If  you  have  permitted  your  animals 
to  subsist  on  innutritious  diet,  so  their  digestive  powers  have 
been  overtaxed,  and  that  function  is  paralyzed,  then  the  blame 
rests  with  you.  On  the  other  hand,  have  you  been  preparing 
them  for  market,  piling  on  the  fat,  at  the  same  time  de- 
priving them  of  pure  air  and  exercise  ?  if  so,  you  are  equally 
blamable.  Is  your  barn  and  dairy  management  consistent  with 
the  received  opinion  of  those  who  are  the  best  judges  in  these 
matters?  if  not,  make  them  so,  and  depend  upon  it,  your 
cattle  will  thrive  and  be  blessed  with  a  natural  appetite ;  for 
disease  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  results  from  violating  the  laws 
of  nature. 


THE     DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  115 

INPLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWEJ.S.— Enteritis. 

This  disease  occurring  in  any  of  the  divisions  of  the  intes- 
tines is  one  of  frequent  occurrence ;  yet  among  cattle,  it  is 
not  hable  to  become  so  suddenly  fatal  as  among  horses. 

This  disease,  bears  some  analogy  to  colic,  in  the  suddenness  of 
its  attack ;  a  healthy  animal  is  all  at  once  attacked  with  abdominal 
pain ;  gets  down,  and  moans  from  incessant  or  persistent  pain. 
The  pulse  generally  ranges  from  60  to  70  ;  rumination  has 
ceased,  and  the  faeces  is  hard,  covered  with  slime  or  streaked  with 
blood ;  the  flanks  heave  (as  the  saying  is),  the  limbs  are 
tremulous,  and  the  animal  has  a  staggering  gait ;  the  visible 
surfaces  of  the  eye,  mouth,  and  nostrils  are  reddened  ;  pressure 
upon  the  abdominal  region,  —  which  is  generally  tucked  up, — 
elicits  symptoms  of  pain  ;  as  the  disease  proceeds  these  symp- 
toms are  aggravated,  and  intestinal  hemorrhage  or  mortification, 
terminates  the  sufferings  of  the  animal.  The  post  mortem 
examination  generally  reveals  engorgement  of  the  blood-vessels 
of  the  intestines,  with  highly  carbonized  and  coagulated  blood ; 
the  lining  membrane  is  of  a  dark  velvet  color,  and  the  large 
intestines  are  more  or  less,  inflamed  or  gangrenous. 

Treatment.  —  The  principle  objects  in  the  treatment  of  this 
disease  are  to  lubricate  the  interior  of  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tines with  mucilage  of  slippery  elm,  and  to  equalize  the 
circulation  and  nervous  action  over  the  general  system ;  the 
remedies  are  as  follows :  — 

Mucilage  of  Slippery  Elm, 1  quart. 

Powdered  Gum  Assafoetida, 2  drachms. 

"  Lobelia, 1  drachm. 

The  above  dose  may  be  repeated  at  the  expiration  of  eight 
hours,  in  the  mean  time  apply  a  mustard  poultice  to  a  part  of 
the  -abdomen,  and  excite  the  circulation  on  the  surface  of  the 
body  and  extremities,  by  friction  with  wisps  of  straw. 

An  occasional  anti-spasmodic  enema  should  be  thrown  into 
the  rectum ;  two  quarts  of  hot  water,  to  one  ounce  of  powered 
lobelia,  are  about  the  proper  proportions.  Should  the  patient 
appear   to  suffer  fi'om  distention  of  the  intestines  with  gas, 


lie         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

then  give  one  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  two  drachms  of 
powdered  goldenseal,  and  one  pint  of  water. 

Animals  in  the  above  condition  cannot  bear  cathartics,  yet 
cases  now  and  then  occur,  which  require  a  gentle  aperient, 
merely  to  aid  in  the  removal  of  fascal  accumulations.  When 
such  remedy  is  indicated,  I  recommend  the  following :  — 

Glauber  Salta, 8  ounces. 

Warm  Water, 1  pint. 

Molasses, ^  gill. 

Powdered  Ginger, 1  tablespoonful.     Mix. 

Drench  the  animal  with  the  same. 

INVAGINATION  OF  INTESTINE. 

Invagination  of  intestine  signifies,  a  portion  of  intestine 
drawn  within  another,  there  becoming  strangulated.  This 
difficulty  does  occasionally  occur,  and  the  .symptoms  do  not 
differ  materially  from  those  attending  strangulation,  occasioned 
by  the  cord,  or  vas  deferens.  The  symptoms  are,  that  the 
animal  passes  nothing  from  the  rectum,  but  a  small  quantity 
of  blood  ;  suffers  incessant  pain,  is  very  uneasy  and  rumi- 
nation is  suspended;  he  will  occasionally  anxiously  regard 
the  flanks  and  moan.  This  trouble  is  generally,  preceded  by 
flatulency.  The  best  plan  of  relieving  the  animal  is  to  etherize 
him,  for  it  often  happens  that  during  etherization  a  relaxation 
of  the  muscular  tissues  takes  place,  and  such  condition  is 
favorable  to  the  return  of  the  bowel.  It  may  be  proper,  while 
the  animal  is  down  and  under  the  influence  of  ether  to 
introduce  a  hand  into  the  rectum  and  try  what  can  be  done  by 
manipulation  and  traction.  The  small  intestines  in  which  the 
difliculty  occurs,  can  be  seized  through  the  wall  of  the  rectum, 
and  perhaps  by  some  slight  traction  or  movement,  the  difficulty 
may  be  remedied.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  what  is  the  result  of 
our  efforts,  until  the  animal  is  relieved  and  has  had  time 
to  recover  from  the  effects  of  the  ether.  This  having  taken 
place,  without  improvement,  I  should  immediately  perform  the 
right  flank  operation,  search  for  the  seat  of  the  difficulty  and 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  117 

reduce  the  invagination.  This  operation  may  appear  to  some 
as  a  very  formidable  aflfair,  very  dangerous  and  painful.  But 
a  skilful  surgeon,  armed  with  the  great  godsend  — ether, 
can  perform  the  same  without  the  least  danger.  I  have  opened 
the  abdominal  cavity  several  times,  in  cases  of  sterility,  merely 
to  explore  the  uterus  and  ovaries,  and  never  met  with  any 
accident,  and  to  encourage  those  who  have  never  had  any 
experience  in  the  performance  of  this  operation,  I  relate  the 
following  incident.  I  was  requested  a  short  time  ago  to  visit  a 
very  valuable  Durham  cow,  the  property  of  Mr.  G.  Clarke  of 
Hyde  Hall  Otsego  County,  N.  Y.,  which  had  been  purchased 
of  Lord  Ducie,  accompanied  by  a  warranty  of  pregnancy,  by 
one  of  the  best  bulls  in  England.  Time  revealed  the  fact,  that 
she  was  not  pregnant ;  she  had  afterwards,  several  connections, 
with  the  opposite  sex,  yet  could  not  be  impregnated.  The 
object  in  securing  my  services  was  to  solve  the  problem  of  her 
sterility.  Now  comes  the  pith  of  the  matter.  I  cast  her  and 
explored  the  vagina,  it  appeared  that  there  was  a  sort 
of  hour-glass  contraction  in  the  vagina,  so  that  the  hand 
could  not  be  introduced  more  than  six  inches ;  at  this  point 
there  appeared  to  exist  a  mechanical  obstruction  to  further 
penetration,  this  was  sufficient  evidence  of  incapacity  of  the 
sexual  congress,  yet  having  travelled  a  long  distance,  at  great 
expense  to  the  owner,  and  there  being  some  prospect  of  litiga- 
tion in  the  matter,  I  was  determined  to  remove  all  doubts. 
I  therefore  performed  the  flank  operation,  and  explored  the 
uterus  and  ovaries  ;  the  whole  were  in  a  state  of  atrophy, 
except  the  right  ovary  which  was  as  large  as  the  kidney  of  an 
ox ;  being  desirous  of  ascertaining  what  the  character  of  the 
enlargement  was,  I  put  my  thumb  and  finger  into  it,  by  so  doing 
I  ruptured  a  vessel  which  bled  very  profusely  ;  my  immediate 
impressions  were,  that  the  animal  miist  die  of  internal 
hemorrhage.  It  was  a  matter  of  impossibilty  to  secure  the 
bleeding  vessel,  so  I  sutured  the  incision  expecting  that  the 
animal  would  die  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours ;  but  contrary  to 
my  expectations  she  got  well,  so  ;  nil  desperandum. 


118         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

DIARRHOEA. 

Diarrhoea  consists  of  an  increased  number  of  alvine  dis- 
charges, augmented  peristaltic  motion  of  the  bowels,  irritability 
of  the  same,  and  a  too  rapid  propulsion  of  the  secretions. 

Diarrhoea  is  sometimes  salutary  —  an  effort  of  nature  to  rid 
the  system  of  morbific  matter;  it  frequently  occurs  at  the 
commencement  of  various  forms  of  disease,  and  is  scarcely,  if 
ever,  an  isolated  affection.  Gallup,  in  his  "  Institutes  of  Med- 
icine,*' contends  that  the  mu co-intestinal  discharges  are  portions 
of  the  centrifugal  circulations,  which  probably  have  their  func- 
tions accelerated  by  the  force  of  the  heart  and  arteries,  above 
that  of  the  centripetal  series.  A  fluid,  quite  similar  to  the  cold 
sweat  of  the  skin,  and  by  a  similar  process,  is  forced  out  in 
abundance,  and  produces  the  diarrhoea. 

A  moderate  diarrhoea,  occurring  in  a  plethoric  animal,  is 
often  salutary ;  for  it  relieves  the  relative  plethora  of  the  vas- 
cular system,  which  occurs  at  the  onset  of  acute  disease. 

"When  the  discharges  are  of  a  yellow  or  greenish  color,  there 
is,  generally,  functional  derangement  of  the  liver.  When  an 
abundance  of  mucous  material  is  observed,  it  goes  to  show  that 
the  mucous  membrane  is  congested.  Sometimes  an  excess  of 
serous  fluid  is  observed,  this  occurs  more  particularly  in  drop- 
sical affections. 

There  is  also  a  al vinous  variety  of  diarrhoea,  caused  by  an 
abnormal  secretion  or  exudation  of  coagulable  lymph ;  it  fre- 
quently comes  away  in  shreds  or  detached  pieces  from  various 
portions  of  the  intestinal  canal. 

Treatment  of  Diarrhoea.  —  Almost  any  form  of  this  affec- 
tion, except  the  chronic  kind,  can  be  checked,  and  perhaps 
cured,  by  administering  a  few  doses  of  charcoal  and  lime  water 
I  use  these  agents  in  the  following  proportions :  — 

Finely  powdered  Charcoal, 8  ounces 

Lime  Water, 4  ounces 

Tincture  of  Matico, 2  onncea. 

Water, 1  pint.         Mix. 

One-fourth  of  the  above  is  a  dose  for  an  ox  or  cow,  which 
may  be  repeated  every  four  hours.    The  same  remedy  answers 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  119 

for  calves,  only  they  require  a  smaller  quantity.  The  astrin- 
gent properties  of  the  above  mixture  can  be  augmented 
by  increasing  the  quantity  of  matico,  or  by  adding  a  small 
quantity  of  powdered  bayberry  bark. 

In  all  cases  of  diarrhoea,  I  usually  order  a  change  of  diet, 
for  in  some  cases  the  food  is  operative  in  producing  the  diffi- 
culty ;  if  it  occur  while  at  grass,  the  animal  should  be  taken  to 
the  barn  for  a  short  time,  and  allowed  a  few  moderate  meals  of 
ground  oat  meal. 

When  suckling  calves  are  under  treatment  for  diarrhoea,  the 
mother  should  also  have  a  few  doses  of  the  above  remedy ;  for 
it  often  happens,  that  she  is  ailing  at  the  time,  and  her  milk 
has  a  morbid  tendency  on  the  calf. 

In  the  advanced  stages,  when  the  fcecal  discharges  emit  a 
bad  odor,  and  rumination  is  suspended,  the  patient  should  have 
a  few  quarts  of  milk  porridge  per  day.  Scalded  milk  alone 
will  sustain  and  benefit  the  calf. 

CHRONIC  DIARRHCEA. 

Chronic  diarrhoea  is  usually  accompanied  by  loss  of  condi- 
tion ;  the  coat  stares,  and  although  the  animal  is  allowed  the 
very  best  kind  of  food,  still  it  thrives  not,  the  skin  and  ribs 
seem  to  have  entered  into  permanent  relationship.  In  a  case 
of  this  character,  I  recommend  the  following :  — 

Phosphate  of  Lime, 6  ounces. 

Powdered  Ginger, 3  ounces. 

"         Charcoal, 4  ounces. 

"         Goldenseal, 2  ounces. 

"         Bayberry  Bark, 1  ounce.     Mix 

Divide  the  mass  into  eight  equal  parts,  and  mix  one  of  them 
in  the  food  night  and  morning.  This  will  generally  have  the 
desired  effect ;  should  it  fail,  I  would  increase  the  quantity  of 
bayberry  bark  to  three  ounces. 

"GUT-TIE." 
It  would  seem  that  an  apology  is  due  the  reader,  from  the 


120         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

author,  for  introducing  such  an  apparently  vulgar  term  as  the 
above ;  but  the  fact  is,  this  term  has  a  meaning ;  perhaps 
better  understood  than  any  other  that  can  be  introduced  at  the 
present  time. 

It  would  appear  that  ^* gut-tie^*  is  often  occasioned  by  a 
faulty  method  of  castration,  this  is  the  testimony  of  experts  ; 
but  it  is  my  opinion,  that  gut-tie,  often  occurs  more  accidentally 
than  otherwise ;  for  animals  have  been  known  to  die  of  gut-tie, 
after  being  castrated  in  the  best  possible  manner.  I  once 
operated  on  an  animal  for  this  mechanical  trouble,  and  am 
satisfied  that  the  castrator  was  as  well  qualified  to  perform  the 
operation,  as  the  best  of  the  craft ;  yet,  the  cord  had  retracted 
into  the  abdomen,  formed  a  false  tissue  and  had  also  a  large 
bulbous  extremity,  which  no  skill  nor  foresight  could  have  pos- 
sibly guarded  against.  The  animal  operated  on,  presented 
the  following  symptoms :  Pulse  small  and  quick ;  respira- 
tions hurried ;  animal  very  uneasy  (all  the  time),  down  and  up 
again  very  often  ;  rectum  empty,  yet  coated  with  slime  ;  the, 
patient  refused  both  food  and  water,  and  had  not  ruminated 
nor  passed  any  faeces,  for  several  hours.  I  proposed  an  oper- 
ation with  the  intention  of  exploring  the  abdominal  cavity,  to 
which  the  owner  consented.  The  patient  was  cast  on  the  near 
or  left  side,  and  etherized ;  an  incision  five  inches  in  length  was 
then  made  through  the  integuments  of  the  right  flank,  midway 
between  the  last  rib  and  anterior  part  of  the  ilium,  about 
three  inches  below  the  transverse  spines  of  the  lumbar  verte- 
brae ;  the  muscles  and  peritoneum  were  also  divided  in  the 
same  manner  as  when  spaying  a  cow.  After  introducing  my 
hand  I  found  a  portion  of  intestine  incarcerated  by  the  re- 
mains of  the  spermatic  cord,  which  seemed,  together  with  some 
false  membrane,  to  have  entangled  the  intestine ;  after  liberating 
the  latter,  the  divided  muscles  were  closed  by  suture,  one  end  of 
which  was  left  long  enough  to  hang  out  of  the  wound  ;  the  integ- 
uments were  then  sutured,  and  dressed  with  tincture  of  aloes. 

The  patient  staggered  a  little  when  he  got  up,  but  soon  com- 
menced eating.    I  did  not  see  him  afterwards,  but  a  fortnight 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  121 

from  the  time  of  the  operation  was  informed  that  the  animal 
experienced  immediate  relief  from  the  difficulty,  and  was  then 
well. 

Up  to  the  present  time  there  appears  to  be  no  information 
afloat,  in  this  country,  regarding  the  cause  and  remedy  of  this 
singular  difficulty,  hence  I  presume  that  some  reliable  account 
from  other  sources  may  be  acceptable  to  the  reader  of  this 
work.  The  following  account  of  ^' gut-tie^'  is  from  the  pen  of 
Surgeon  Crowhurst,  published  in  the  London  Veterinarian: — 

"I  was  requested,  on  the  loth  of  last  month,  to  attend  a 
two-year-old  steer,  the  property  of  W.  W.  Daws,  Esq.,  of 
Ewhurst,  which  was  taken  ill  the  day  previously,  but  it  being 
late  when  the  illness  was  observed,  and  my  residence  nine  miles 
distant,  some  aperient  medicine  was  administered,  and  orders 
given  to  send  for  me  the  next  morning. 

"  When  I  arrived,  the  steer  was  lying  down  in  a  shed,  but 
soon  got  up  and  walked  across  the  yard.  His  back  was  arched, 
and  the  abdomen  tucked  up. 

"  He  was  somewhat  excited  at  first,  but  soon  began  to 
tremble,  and  to  step  in  a  backward  direction  by  putting  one 
hind  leg  directly  behind  the  other.  Occasionally  he  turned  his 
head  towards  his  side,  and  would  kick  at  his  belly,  and  now  and 
then  stretch  himself  out,  and  curve  his  loins  to  a  considerable 
extent.  After  being  in  the  yard  for  a  short  time  he  returned 
into  the  shed  and  lay  down  again,  doing  this  in  a  very  careful 
manner.  He  soon  got  up  a  second  time,  and  stepped  back- 
wards as  before,  seemingly  for  the  purpose  of  getting  his  hind 
quarters  against  some  resisting  body.  The  man  in  charge  of 
the  animal  explained  that  the  symptoms  had  undergone  but 
very  little  change  since  he  was  taken  ill,  and  that  he  had  not 
eaten  any  thing  nor  voided  any  faeces.  There  were,  however, 
several  evacuations  of  mucus  lying  about  the  yard,  which  had 
been  expelled  from  the  bowels. 

Having  procured  a  wagon-rope,  and  obtained  the  assistance 

of  two  or  three  men,  I  had  the  animal  cast,  and  examined 

him  per  rectum.     There  were  no  faeces  present,  but  on  passing 

my  hand  onward  I  readily  detected  a  band,  which  was  drawn 

11 


122         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

tightly  round  the  bowel.  It  appeared  to  pass  from  behind  for- 
wards, and  under  the  rectum.  By  pulling  at  this  the  animal 
struggled  from  pain.  Finding  this  state  of  things,  I  at  once 
decided  upon  operating,  as  I  could  not  see  the  patient  any  more 
that  day,  having  many  pressing  professional  engagements. 

"  I  first  cut  off  the  hair  from  the  right  side,  which  I  prefer 
to  do  while  the  animal  is  standing,  that  I  may  know  better 
where  to  commence  my  incision  when  he  is  cast.  I  will  here 
describe  my  plan  of  casting  the  animal,  that  should  any  person 
have  a  preferable  one,  I  may  put  it  in  requisition  in  my  after- 
proceedings.  I  first  fastened  one  end  of  a  rope  to  the  oiF  fore 
leg,  then  passed  it  in  front  and  around  the  near  fore  leg,  and 
afterwards  under  the  part  of  the  rope  between  the  legs,  so  as  to 
pull  them  close  together.  Next,  it  was  carried  between  the 
hind  legs  and  round  the  near  one,  and  then  under  that  part 
which  passed  from  the  fore  to  the  hind  legs.  By  then  bringing 
the  end  of  the  rope  over  the  bullock's  back  I  was  enabled  to 
throw  him  on  his  near  side,  and  prevent  his  rising  by  drawing 
the  near  hind  leg  forwards,  and  fixing  it  between  the  fore  legs. 
As  the  off  hind  leg  was  still  at  liberty,  it  was  secured  by  draw- 
ing it  backwards  and  fastening  it  by  another  rope  to  a  crowbar 
fixed  in  the  ground.  A  man  was  then  placed  on  the  animal's 
neck  to  keep  his  head  down,  and  prevent  his  rising.  Every 
thing  being  ready,  I  commenced  the  operation  by  cutting  through 
the  common  integument  and  abdominal  muscles  midway  between 
the  antero-inferior  spinous  process  of  the  ilium  and  the  last  rib, 
a  short  distance  below  the  transverse  processes  of  the  lumbar 
vertebrae,  so  as  to  avoid  the  arteries  of  the  part.  The  periton- 
eum was  then  broken  through  with  the  fingers,  and  afterwards 
the  left  hand  was  introduced  into  the  abdomen  in  a  direction 
towards  the  pelvis.  I  experienced  no  difficulty  in  finding  the 
band,  which  consisted  of  the  vas  deferens,  and  which  formed  a 
semicircular  projection  in  the  abdomen  from  the  intestines  pass- 
ing behind  it,  or  from  below  upwards,  as  the  steer  lay  on  his 
sjde.  It  was  drawn  quite  tight,  And  had  produced  strangulation 
of  the  intestines.  I  was  soon  enabled  to  liberate  the  intestines, 
after  which  I  drew  the  vas  deferens  toward  the  opening  in  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


123 


muscles  and  divided  it,  excising  a  portion  to  the  extent  of  about 
three  or  four  inches.  The  part  cut  through  retracted,  and  was 
left  floating  free  in  the  abdomen.  The  operation  was  com- 
pleted bj  passing  some  interrupted  sutures  of  wide  tape  through 
the  common  integument  only.  After  the  animal  was  released,  I 
gave  him  some  aperient  medicine,  and  ordered  gruel  to  be  ad- 
ministered at  regular  intervals. 


7-  '       *    \    \" 

MODE  OF  OPERATING  FOR  GUT-TIE. 


"  Before  I  was  a  student  at  the  college,  I  attended  a  post- 
mortem examination  of  an  old  Welch  runt,  which  my  father 
ordered  to  be  killed,  as  the  proprietor  neglected  sending  soon 
enough  for  him  to  be  of  any  service.  In  this  case  there  were 
about  six  inches  of  the  small  intestines  strangulated,  and  quite 
black  in  color. 

"The  question  arises.  Is  this  affection  produced  from  any 
particular  mode  of  castration  ?     My  father  has  casti-ated  ani- 


124         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

mals  in  the  same  way  as  taught  him  by  his  father  for  forty-five 
years,  and  has  never  had  one  case  among  those  he  has  operated 
upon,  although  he  has  been  called  to  several  which  had  been 
operated  upon  by  other  persons. 

**  The  calf  which  I  have  alluded  to  was  not  castrated  by  him, 
nor  was  the  two-year-old  steer,  the  subject  of  this  communica- 
tion, by  either  of  us,  which  tends  to  prove  that  castration  has  to 
do  with  its  production,  these  cases  having  occurred  in  our  dis- 
trict. I  had,  until  recently,  supposed  that  the  spermatic  artery, 
on  being  drawn  at  until  it  ruptures,  in  the  operation  of  castra- 
tion, might  recede  into  the  abdomen,  and  hanging  loose,  after- 
wards strangulate  the  intestines  by  getting  around  them,  but  I 
feel  convinced  this  is  not  the  cause." 

The  following,  which  lately  appeared  in  the  Edinburgh 
Veterinary  Review,  is  offered  for  the  reader's  instruction ;  it 
is  a  translation  from  Gierer,  by  Mr.  Gamgee. 

"  ON  THE  INTERNAL  RUPTURES  IN  OXEN. 

_"  Gierer  alludes  to  the  fact,  that  all  authors  agree  as  to  the 
nature  of  the  internal  or  peritoneal  ruptures,  termed  *  ueber- 
wurf:'  by  the  Germans  —  '  gut-tie  '  by  the  English.  There 
is  a  separation  of  the  atrophied  spermatic  cord  from  the  sides 
of  the  pelvis,  and,  under  peculiar  circumstances,  the  perito- 
neum is  lacerated,  a  portion  of  intestine  slips  downwards 
and  backwards,  and  the  cord  is  entwined  round  it,  so  as  to  con- 
strict it,  obi^truct  the  passage  of  excrement,  and  inflamatiori, 
with  other  consequences,  result.  Gierer  especially  describes 
his  method  of  discovering  the  seat  of  the  constriction,  and  his 
plan  of  operating.  He  says  that  it  is  not  always  so  easy  to 
find  the  spermatic  cord,  and  to  discover  precisely  which  intes- 
tine is  incarcerated.  Most  cases  occur  in  oxen  from  a  year 
and  a  half  to  four  years  old.  When  symptoms  of  colic,  and 
no  discharge  of  faeces  induce  him  to  suspect  *  gut-tie,*  he  exam- 
ines per  rectum^  and,  by  careful  manipulation,  can  always 
detect  the  spermatic  cord  and  imprisoned  intestine.  Gierer 
has  never  seen  this  strangulation  relieved  spontaneously;  and 
there  are  two  methods  of  cure  to  adopt,  —  the  one  palliative 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  125 

and  the  other  radical.  The  first  consists  in  the  return  of  the 
intestine  through  the  fissure  in  the  spermatic  cord,  by  quickly 
driving  an  ox  or  raising  his  hind  quarters  in  a  stall ;  this  should 
be  tried  soon  after  the  first  appearance  of  the  disease ;  when 
this  does  not  answer,  the  normal  condition  of  the  parts  must 
be  restored  by  the  taxis  effected  through  the  rectum. 

"Very  often  there  may  be  a  relapse,  from  the  loose  spermatic 
cord  and  fissure  of  the  peritoneum  remaining  in  statu  quo. 
There  are  two  methods  of  radical  cure ;  one  by  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  hand  through  an  incision  through  the  abdominal 
walls,  and  the  other  by  the  rectum.  Gierer  always  operates  by 
the  rectum,  and  his  method  consists  in  the  simple  return  of  the 
spermatic  cord  in  contact  with  its  natural  point  of  attachment 
against  the  abdominal  wall.  To  eff*ect  this  a  limited,  succes- 
sive, and  slightly  outdrawing  traction,  forwards,  or  from  behind 
forwards,  of  the  intestine  is  effected ;  and,  having  accomplished 
this,  the  soft  part  of  the  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  which  is  used 
from  the  beginning  of  the  operation,  is  applied  through  the  coats 
of  the  rectum  in  the  lower  and  posterior  part  of  the  cord  ;  and, 
with  a  jerk,  or  forward  movement,  the  operation  is  completed. 

"  Gierer  says,  that  the  introduction  of  the  hand  in  the  ab- 
domen is  only  needed  when,  from  the  amount  of  intestine 
imprisoned,  it  is  difficult  to  feel  the  rudimentary  spermatic  cord ; 
but,  under  these  circumstances,  inflammation  and  gangrene 
would  have  ensued  already,  and  the  operation  would  therefore 
be  useless,  and  it  is  many  years  since  he  had  occasion  to  per- 
form it." 

FLATULENT  COLIC. 

This  disease  is  generally  occasioned  by  some  derangement 
of  the  digestive  organs,  whereby  the  food,  instead  of  being 
properly  digested,  undergoes  fermentation,  and  thus  carbonic 
acid  gas,  or  sulphuretted  hydrogen  is  evolved.  It  is  attended 
by  considerable  pain ;  the  animal  will  be  very  restless,  con- 
tinually lying  down  and  getting  up  again ;  discharges  gas 
from  the  anus ;  strikes  the  belly  occasionally  with  the  hind 
feet,  and  the  abdomen  is  enlarged. 
11* 


126         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

This  species  of  colic  can  generally  be  relieved  as  follows : 
Take  one  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  dissolve  the  same  in 
a  quart  of  water ;  then  add  tincture  of  ginger  and  tincture  of 
goldenseal,  of  each,  one  ounce.  Drench  the  animal  with  the 
same.  Clysters  of  soap  suds,  to  which  a  little  salt  may  be 
added,  should  be  thrown  into  the  rectum  occasionally.  The 
belly  should  be  well  rubbed  with  coarse  straw,  and  in  severe 
cases,  I  should  rub  some  mustard,  moistened  with  vinegar,  on 
the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen.  After  a  lapse  of  two  hours, 
should  the  patient  appear  unrelieved,  a  second  dose  of  the  colic 
drench  may  be  given ;  generally,  however,  one  dose  is  suf- 
ficient. 

SPASM  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

Spasm  of  the  bowels,  generally  termed  spasmodic  colic,  is 
occasioned  by  contraction  of  the  longitudinal  and  circular  fibres 
of  the  muscular  tunic  of  the  intestines.  In  this  disease,  nearly 
the  same  symptoms  are  observed  as  those  alluded  to  in  flatu- 
lent colic,  with  the  exception  of  flatulency.  The  patient, 
however,  is  more  irritable  and  dangerous  to  handle  than  in 
flatulent  colic,  and  he  has  periods  of  relaxation  from  pain 
which  return  at  intervals  with  increased  violence.  It  is  sup- 
posed that  this  affection  is  caused  by  the  presence  of  irritating 
matters  in  the  intestinal  canal  either'in  the  form  of  bad  food, 
poisonous  plants,  or  water  impregnated,  with  leiad.  As  the 
muscles  of  the  intestines  belong  to  that  class  known  as  in- 
voluntary, it  follows  that  the  state  of  spasm  is  the  result  of 
some  excitability  or  deranged  condition  of  the  nerves  of  invol- 
untary motion  ;  hence  antispasmodics  are  indicated. 

In  view  of  relieving  the  spasm,  I  recommend  the  following :  — 

Powdered  Assafoetida, 1  drachm, 

Sulphuric  Ether, 2  drachms. 

Thin  Gruel, 1  pint.  Mix. 

And  drench,  then  administer  occasionally  an  antispasmodic 
clyster,  composed  of  warm  water  and  a  small  quantity  of  pow- 
dered lobelia. 

Failing  to  relieve  the  animal  by  the  above  means,  I  should 


THE    DISKASKS    OF    CATTLE.  127 

get  him  under  the  influence  of  sulphuric  ether,  to  be  applied 
to  the  nostrils  by  means  of  a  sponge.  There  is  no  necessity 
for  fully  etherizing  the  animal,  for  if  kept  in  a  partial  state  of 
stupefaction  for  about  twenty  minutes,  the  spasm  will  relax ; 
after  which,  let  the  patient  be  kept  on  bran  mashes  for  a  day 


CONSTIPATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

Constipation  is  generally  the  result  of  impaired  digestion, 
yet  now  and  then  it  is  the  precursor  of  some  definite  malady. 
The  old  method  of  resorting  to  powerful  cathartics  generally 
aggravates  the  symptoms,  and  the  animal  dies  unrelieved  of  the 
constipation. 

The  best  method  of  treating  this  affection  is  to  administer, 
with  an  aperient,  stimulants  and  bitters ;  in  this  way  we 
arouse  the  action  of  the  digestive  organs,  and  create  a  lax  state 
of  the  bowels.     Let  the  following  drench  be  given :  — 

Glauber  Salts, 12  ounces. 

Powdered  Goldenseal, Sdrachms. 

"         Ginger, 2  drachms. 

Dissolve  the  glauber  salts  in  one  quart  of  tepid  water,  then 
add  the  other  ingredients.  After  a  lapse  of  eight  hours  the 
animal  should  be  walked  about ;  have  its  belly  rubbed,  and  an 
occasional  clyster  of  warm  soap-suds  may  be  thrown  into  the 
rectum.  Should  the  medicine  not  operate  at  the  expected  time, 
administer  two  drachms  of  powdered  mandrake,  the  same 
quantity  of  goldenseal,  and  half  an  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of 
soda,  in  about  a  quart  of  water. 

To  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the  constipation,  let  the  animal 
have  half  an  ounce  of  equal  parts  of  goldenseal  and  carbo- 
nate of  soda  daily,  which  may  be  mixed  in  the  food.  It  is 
important,  also,  in  view  of  guarding  against  constipation,  to 
make  some  change  in  the  diet ;  thus,  if  the  animal  has  been 
long  fed  on  meal,  some  coarser  material  —  shorts  —  should  be 
substituted,  for  a  brief  period  at  least. 


128         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

THE  PANCREAS  AND  ITS  FUNCTION. 

The  pancreas  is  of  light  red  color,  composed  of  a  vast  num- 
ber of  glandular  bodies,  each  having  a  duct  or  outlet,  which 
finally  unites  with  the  biliary  duct,  and  with  it  enters  the 
duodenum.  The  fluid  secreted  by  the  pancreas  is  a  colorless, 
limpid  fluid ;  it  forms  an  emulsion  of  fat,  hence  it  dissolves  the 
fatty  matters  of  the  food,  and  is  an  active  agent  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  chyle.  That  the  pancreatic  juice  possesses  the  property 
of  emulsifying  fat  is  proved  from  the  fact  that  when  the  pan- 
creas is  destroyed,  and  the  animal  be  fed  on  food  containing 
fatty  matter,  the  latter  passes  with  the  faeces,  just  like  fat  in  an 
unchanged  state.     Mr.  Gamgee  says :  — 

"  The  pancreatic  juice  has  another  important  use  which  re- 
mains to  be  spoken  of;  and  that  is,  a  peculiar  action  on  nitro- 
genized  substances.  If  raw  meat  be  placed  in  some  of  the 
juice,  the  meat  speedily  softens  and  putrefies.  The  same  oc- 
curs with  albumen  or  casein,  in  the  raw  state;  but  if  the 
azotized  principles  are  previously  boiled  or  acted  upon  by  the 
gastric  juice,  then  they  are  absolutely  dissolved  by  the  secretion 
of  the  pancreas.  The  pancreatic  juice,  therefore,  serves  many 
purposes,  and  acts  on  every  kind  of  aliment. 

"  Circumstances  affecting  the  digestive  function  in  general 
have  a  special  influence  on  the  pancreas,  and  modify  its  secre- 
tion ;  such  is  not  the  case  with  the  salivary  glands  and  their 
products.  The  pancreatic  juice  may,  like  every  other  secretion, 
be  found  to  contain  adventitious  substances  that  have  acciden- 
tally entered  the  blood.  Thus,  iodide  of  potassium  may  be 
eliminated  from  the  system  by  the  pancreas.  It  is  not  so  with 
every  salt,  the  prussiate  of  potash,  for  example,  never  being 
seen  in  the  pancreatic  juice. 

"  The  pancreatic  secretion  is  formed  during  infra-uterine  life, 
but  we  are  at  a  loss  to  account  for  its  uses  then.  It  is  difficult 
to  determine  what  nervous  influences  affect  its  production  ;  a 
dose  of  ether  excites  it,  and  pressure  on  the  abdominal  viscera 
likewise  tends  to  its  increase ;  the  efforts  of  vomiting  stop  it." 

The  pancreas  is  subject  to  several  forms  of  disease,  and  oc- 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  129 

casionally  attains  an  enormous  size,  but  in  the  present  state  of 
our  knowledge  on  cattle  pathology,  I  am  induced  to  believe  that 
it  would  be  almost  impossible  to  furnish  symptoms  which  shall 
clearly  indicate  the  presence  of  disease  in  the  pancreas. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SPLEEN. 

The  spleen  is  commonly  known  as  the  "  melt,"  it  is  a  lengthy 
dark  colored  gland,  situated  on  the  left  side,  attached  to  the 
anterior  part  of  tha  rumen.  It  is  composed  of  a  congeries 
of  bloodvessels  united  together  by  cellular  tissue ;  its  artery  is 
derived  from  the  coeliac  axis,  and  is  termed  splenic  artery,  and 
the  veins  of  the  spleen  terminate  in  the  vena  portae  —  the  great 
vein  of  the  liver.  Very  little  is  known  of  the  function  of  this 
gland,  except  that  through  its  extraordinary  distensibility  it 
serves  as  a  diverticulum,  to  relieve  the  liver  when  it  is  congested 
or  when  an  obstruction  to  the  flow  of  blood  through  the  liver, 
heart,  or  digestive  viscera  exists. 

Carpenter  says,  that  the  spleen  has  been  repeatedly  removed 
without  obviously  injurious  consequences  ;  whenever  it  appears, 
either  that  its  function  is  not  of  vital  importance,  or  (which  is 
more  likely)  that  it  is  discharged  by  some  other  organ  in  its 
stead.  In  some  instances  in  which  animals  have  been  allowed 
to  survive  after  removal  of  the  spleen,  the  lymphatic  glands 
of  the  neighborhood  have  been  found  greatly  enlarged  and 
clustered  together,  so  as  nearly  to  equal  the  original  spleen  in 
volume ;  and  hence  it  appears,  that  the  function  of  the  spleen 
corresponds  to  that  of- the  lymphatic  glands. 

The  spleen  is  subject  to  various  diseases,  known  as  imflam- 
mation,  hypertrophy,  ossification,  hydatids  etc ;  but  the  symp- 
toms are  of  such  an  obscure  character  that  it  would  not  be 
worth  while  in  a  work  like  this  to  discuss  them. 

"  Prevention  is  cheaper  than  cure  ; "  as  the  disease  is  ob- 
scure, the  skill  of  the  practitioner  can  be  of  little  avail,  therefore 
the  husbandman  should  endeavor  to  prevent  a  malady  which 
is  apt  to  end  in  death.  Inflammation  and  engorgement  of  the 
spleen,  generally  occurs  in  cattle  that  have  been  highly  fed,  a 


130         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

forcing  system  of  feeding  therefore  is  the  principle  cause  of 
this  affection. 

ON  DIET 

Variety  in  food  necessary —  Effects  of  certain  hinds  of  food — 
As  regards  the  requisite  quantity^  etc. 

It  is  admitted  by  medical  men,  and  the  experience  of  my 
readers  may  possibly  have  confirmed  the  fact,  that  a  great 
proportion  of  the  diseases  occurring  among  live  stock  are 
produced,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  by  errors  in  diet ; 
consequently  the .  means  of  prevention  are  within  the  reach 
of  every  husbandman,  and  should  be  used  accordingly. 

No  special  form  of  diet,  can  for  any  great  length  of  time, 
preserve  the  integrity  of  the  animal  machine ;  and  in  order  to 
substantiate  this  proposition  I  shall  show  the  effect  of  simple 
elementary  principles  on  the  system  of  man  ;  considering  what 
is  known  to  be  a  fact,  that  the  same  is  true  of  his  servants, 
horses,  and  cattle. 

Some  of  my  readers  have  heard  of  the  experiment  made  by 
Napoleon  Bonaparte:  which  was  that  of  trying  to  supply 
the  nutritive  wants  of  his  system  by  living  on  a  concentrated 
preparation  of  beef,  in  the  form  of  jelly.  He  gave  it  a  fair 
trial,  yet  came  very  near  starving  on  the  same,  and  he  was  led 
to  remark,  that  the  stomach  was  a  sort  of  scavenger,  hence 
required  a  given  amount  of  rubbish  to  sort  from,  and  select  the 
necessary  elements  for  renovating  the  tissues.  He  probably 
selected  jelly  because  it  is  highly  nutritious,  containing  more  of 
the  flesh-making  principle,  than  most  articles  of  food.  It  was 
rich,  not  only  in  nitrogen,  but  also  in  oxygen,  hydrogen, 
and  carbon,  four  of  the  principal  elements  which  compose  the 
animal  fabric. 

The  fact  is,  no  single  article  of  diet,  let  it  be  ever  so  rich  in 
the  elements  of  organized  tissues,  can  long  support  life.  A  nation 
of  men  subsisting  long  on  a  simple  form  of  diet,  without  variety, 
would  soon  become  emaciated,  and  die  of  innutrition.  Let  the 
Grahamites  abstain  from  milk,  and  live  on  bread  and  water, 
and  they  would  soon  exterminate  themselves.     Milk  is  a  highly 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  131 

nutritious  compound  and  furnishes  their  systems  with  the 
equivalents  that  we  obtain  from  beef  and  mutton.  The  inhabi- 
tants of  the  "  Celestial  Empire" —  Chinese — are  great  consum- 
ers of  rice ;  it  is  the  principal  article  of  diet,  among  the  poorer 
classes  many  of  whom  are  lank  and  lean,  and  would  make  very 
respectable  walking  lanterns  (if  a  candle  was  placed  within 
their  abdominal  cavity  and  lighted),  only  they  happen  to  catch, 
occasionally,  a  stray  dog  or  pig  ;  such  furnish  not  only  a  savory 
meal,  but  a  supply  of  material  for  the  formation  of  muscle 
and  fat. 

Alluding  to  dogs  reminds  me  of  an  experiment  made  by 
Majendie.  He  proved  beyond  the  shadow  of  a  doubt,  that 
such  an  animal  could  not  live  more  than  forty  days  on  any 
single  article  of  diet,  let  it  be  ever  so  nutritious. 

The  staple  article  of  food  among  Irish  peasants  in  the  hogs,  is 
potatoes ;  those  people  are  subject  to  diseases  of  a  low  typhoid 
type,  and  all  that  saves  them  from  disease,  or  perhaps  prema- 
ture death,  is  buttermilk,  red  herrings,  and  occasionally  a  drop 
of  whiskey. 

The  Scotch  peasants  are  great  consumers  of  oatmeal ;  this 
article  is  not  inferior  to  wheat  in  the  flesh-making  principle,  and 
we  might  naturally  infer  that  an  article  of  diet  so  valuable  and 
palatable,  ought  to  promote  health  and  cater  to  longevity.  This 
is  not  the  case.  The  great  oatmeal  consumers  are  the  notorious 
subjects  of  intestinal  concretions,  and  in  the  Edinburgh  Ana- 
tomical Museum  are  to  be  seen  a  vast  and  valuable  collection  of 
intestinal  calculi,  most  of  which  proved  death  warrants  to  con- 
firmed oatmeal  consumers. 

"  What  is  one  man's ^oc?  is  another's  poison." 

Dr.  Carpenter,  an  eminent  physiologist,  says,  that  "  no  fact 
in  dietetics  is  better  established  than  that  concerning  the 
impossibility  of  long  sustaining  health  and  life  on  a  single 
alimentary  principle.  Neither  pure  albumen,  Jibrine,  gelatine, 
gum,  sugar,  starch,  fat,  nor  oil,  taken  alone,  can  serve  for 
the   due  nutrition  of  the  body.     This  is  partly  due  to  their 


132  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

failing  in  supplying  the  waste  of  the  tissues,  and  partly  to 
the  fact  that  single  alimentary  substances,  long  continued, 
excite  such  a  feeling  of  disgust,  that  the  animals  experimented 
on  seem  to  perfer  the  endurance  of  starvation  to  the  ingestion 
of  the  same." 

Our  readers  are  aware  that  when  a  person  be  long  confined 
to  any  particular  article  of  diet,  a  craving  for  something  else  is 
experienced,  which  very  few  persons  can  resist.  This  teaches 
us  that  in  order  to  preserve  the  health  of  live  stock,  we  must 
vary  the  diet,  and  are  not  to  be  over-particular  in  selecting  the 
most  nutritious  articles.  But  we  want,  as  Napoleon  says,  a 
little  rubbish — coarse  rubbish.  The  internal  surface  of  the 
stomach  and  bowels  require  to  be  irritated  once  in  awhile,  and 
this  probably  was  the  idea  which  Graham  had,  when  he  first 
recommended  coarse  food.  The  stomach  must  be  made  to  labor 
bard  occasionally,  or  its  function  will  deteriorate.  Persons 
who  complain  of  weak  stomachs  and  dyspepsia,  are  those  who 
live  on  dainty  viands,  and  seldom,  if  ever,  distend  that  organ 
to  a  healthy  capacity  with  coarse  material. 

Consider  for  a  moment  the  condition  of  Spanish  and  Italian 
peasants  ;  they  know  nothing  of  our  national  disease,  dyspepsia. 
Their  bread  has  the  appearance  of  being  composed  of  sawdust ; 
the  very  sight  of  the  same  would  disgust  our  effeminate  stom- 
achs ;  yet,  with  the  addition  of  a  little  oil,  wine,  and  a  few  veg- 
etables, they  can  endure  greater  hardships,  and  often  carry  a 
heavier  burden,  with  less  fatigue,  than  the  advocate'^  of  roast 
beef  and  fine  flour. 

We  may  distend  the  stomach  with  coarse  food,  and  perhaps 
not  impair  its  function  ;  but  if  we  overburden  it  vf'iih.  fine  meal 
or  any  other  highly  nitrogenized  article  which  the  digestive  ap- 
paratus can  assimulate  very  readily,  until  repletion  takes  place, 
then  there  is  danger.  The  best  food  for  distending  the  stomach 
of  a  horse  is  sweet  hay,  cut  straw,  Swedish  turnips,  carrots, 
squash,  apples,  and  potatoes.  As  an  illustration  of  what  work- 
ing horses  can  subsist  on,  I  present  the  following  bill  of  fare, 
on  which  some  English  farm  horses  livej  and  grow  fat :  — 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  183 

1.  IJ  bushels  of  (good)  Oats, 

2.  1 1  cwt.  of  cut  Straw, 

8.    42  lbs.  Swedish  Turnips. 

A  week's  allowance. 

Many  animals  are  fed  on  this  kind  of  diet  for  thirteen  weeks, 
until  the  work  of  spring  commences ;  then  the  food  becomes 
more  nutritious,  in  the  form  of  beans  and  pollard. 

American  horsemen  would  call  this  hard  fare,  small  potato 
diet,  but  nevertheless,  some  of  the  English  horses  consume  in  the 
course  of  24  hours,  37  pounds  of  cut  straw,  and  thrive,  like 
Jehu,  on  the  same. 

The  stomach  must  be  made  to  work  for  a  living  once  in 
awhile  ;  hard  work  agrees  with  it ;  coarse  fodder  stimulates  and 
develops  its  latent  powers,  and  augments  the  gastric  secretion, 
which  is  the  active  solvent  of  the  food. 

Labor  operates  on  the  stomach  in  the  same  manner,  and  in 
the  same  ratio,  that  it  does  on  the  brain  or  muscles  —  increases 
their  capacity.  Compare,  for  example,  the  brawny  arm  of  the 
mechanic  with  that  of  the  counting-house  clerk,  or  the  powerful 
muscles  of  the  truck  and  farm  horse  with  those  of  the  pet  sad- 
dle-horse ;  this  comes  of  work,  hard  work.  See  the  king  of 
birds,  the  eagle,  towering  above  and  beyond  the  sight  and  ken 
of  man,  darting  with  almost  lightning  speed  from  mountain  to 
valley,  buffeting  the  rude  shocks  of  heaven's  artillery ;  —  he 
acquires  strength  of  muscle  and  wing,  by  extraordinary  exer- 
tion and  desperate  feats  of  flight.  After  the  same  fashion  we 
develop  the  mental  faculties  and  augment  them  ;  protracted 
mental  labor,  close  thought  and  study,  light  up  the  intellectual 
nature  of  man,  and  develop  the  latent  powers  of  his  brain,  and 
the  more  his  mind  acquires  the  greater  are  its  powers. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  the  various  functions 
of  the  body  require  periods  of  rest ;  for,  should  a  cow  be  per- 
mitted to  stand  up  to  a  full  crib,  and  spend  the  greater  part  of 
the  day  and  night  in  cramming  her  stomach,  disease,  sooner  or 
later,  must  surely  occur.  The  same  is  true  as  regards  man. 
Let  an  individual  gormandize  during  the  day,  and  then  indulge 
in  a  late  supper,  and  continue  the  practice,  he  soon  acquires  a 
12 


134         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

sympathetic  headache,  or  the  stomach  grows  refractory,  and 
casts  up  the  burden,  for  the  simple  reason  that  its  function  is 
overtaxed.  It  must  have  rest.  The  same  rule  applies  to  the 
muscular  and  mental  natures.  If,  therefore,  hard  labor  devel- 
ops the  function  of  either,  rest,  at  suitable  intervals,  preserves 
their  integrity,  and  therefore  must  not  be  disregarded. 

In  selecting  food  for  working  animals,  we  must  remember 
that  they  require  certain  inorganic  equivalents,  which  seem  to 
be  as  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  system  as  nutriment. 

Salt,  for  example,  is  not  nutritious,  yet  neither  man  nor 
brute  can  long  exist  without  it.  Common  salt,  chloride  of 
sodium^  is  decomposed  in  the  stomach,  and  is  there  found  in  the 
form  of  muriatic  acid  and  soda  ;  the  former  is  supposed  to  aid 
digestion,  and  the  latter  eliminates  bile. 

Neither  is  phosphorus  (found  in  straw)  nutritious,  yet  that 
article  is  actually  necessary  for  the  support  of  life.  It  is  an 
element  of  both  vegetable  and  animal  organization,  the  former 
absorb  it  from  the  soil,  and  in  turn,  yield  it  to  animals  for  the 
promotion  of  their  health  and  longevity.  It  serves  to  develop 
bone,  muscle,  and  nerve.  Animals  require  phosphorus  just  as 
much  as  they  do  meal  and  oats ;  the  former  is  decidedly  nu- 
tritious, yet  deficient  in  phosphoric  acid. 

Meal,  oats,  and  beans,  are  nitrogenous  compounds,  flesh-mak- 
ing equivalents,  yet  they  furnish  only  one  part  in  a  thousand 
of  the  article  we  need, — phosphorus,  —  while  cut  straw,  pota- 
toes and  several  other  "  inferior  "  vegetables  contain  more  than 
double  the  quantity  of  the  same.  So  that  an  animal  must  eat 
such  rubbish  as  straw,  potatoes,  carrots,  beets,  and  "stubble"  in 
order  to  supply  the  necessary  material. 

Then  consider  that  sulphur,  iron,  chlorine,  lime,  potassium, 
magnesium,  and  several  other  mineral  substances,  not  in  the 
least  nutritious,  are  alike  necessary  for  the  support  and  integrity 
of  the  living  organism,  and  therefore,  should  be  the  elements 
of  food.  Some  articles  furnish  the  needful  in  abundance,  in 
others  there  is  a  deficiency.  This  furnishes  another  argument 
in  favor  of  variations  in  diet. 

A  lecturer  on  physiology  has  remarked,  that  "  there  exists 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  135 

a  peculiar  analogy  between  vegetable  productions  and  living 
animals.  Animal  and  vegetable  fibrine  —  albumen  of  eggs 
and  the  gluten  of  wheat  contain  about  15  per  cent  of  nitrogen, 
so  that  thej  are  somewhat  identical.  If  you  take  100  pounds  of 
flour  and  wash  it  in  water,  frequently  changing  the  same,  you 
get  15  pounds  of  gluten. 

"  This  is  the  flesh-making  principle,  and  represents  15  pounds 
of  the  albumen  of  flesh.  The  gluten  of  flour,  casein  of  cheese 
and  peas,  albumen  of  eggs  and  the  flesh  of  an  animal,  contain 
also  a  relative  amount  of  carbon,  hydrogen  and  oxygen.  So 
'"hat  the  flesh  of  animals  is  already  prepared  for  them  in  the 
v^egetable  world.  The  digestive  organs  of  animals  merely 
change  the  mechanical  form  and  condition  of  the  former,  their 
chemical  composition  remain  about  the  same." 

EFFECT    OF   VARIOUS    KINDS    OF    FOOD. 

It  is  customary  in  some  stables  in  Massachusetts  to  feed 
horses  and  cows  all  the  year  round  on  what  is  termed  cut  feed; 
composed  of  cut  hay,  fine  meal,  shorts,  a  small  quantity  of  salt, 
and  considerable^  water ;  the  whole  being  mixed  together,  is 
served  out,  ad  lUdtum.  This  kind  of  food  might  (and  some- 
times does)  agree  with  animals,  but  it  is  not  right  to  feed  them 
year  after  year  on  the  same,  for  the  reason  just  set  forth. 
Another  reason  for  objecting  to  this  food  is,  that  in  the  stables 
alluded  to,  we  hear  of  a  great  many  cases  of  tympanitis  and 
flatulent  cholic  (diseases  somewhat  identical),  arising,  no  doubt, 
from  the  presence  of  so  large  a  quantity  of  water  as  some  per- 
sons are  in  the  habit  of  using ;  it  saturates  the  food  and  retards 
digestion.  Not  only  this,  but  when  dry  food,  highly  charged 
with  water,  enters  the  stomach,  the  temperature  of  the  latter 
causes  the  food  to  swell,  —  increase  in  bulk,  —  and  distends  that 
organ,  and  also  favors  fermentation  instead  of  digestion  ;  hence 
arises  flatulency.  I  do  not,  however,  mean  to  contend  that 
such  food  is  at  all  times  the  direct  cause  of  indigestion,  colic,  etc., 
because  many  New  England  stablers  are  ready  to  testify  that 
they  have  fed  the  same  for  many  years  without  any  apparent 


136         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

inconvenience  to  their  horses ;  but  I  contend  that  it  acts  in- 
directly in  the  manner  alluded  to ;  and  although  some  horses 
may  ^^get  used  to  it^^  and  others,  having  wonderful  digestive 
organs,  assimilate  it,  yet  the  day  of  reckoning  may  not  be 
far  off. 

I  contend  that  water  taken  with  food,  always  retards  diges- 
tion. The  proper  solvents  of  the  food  are  the  gastric  fluids, 
and  the  cow  has  abundant  facilities  for  supplying  the  req- 
uisite quantity.  An  ordinary  cow  is  said  to  secrete  (while 
feeding)  fluid,  of  salivial  and  gastric  characters,  at  the  rate  of 
one  gallon  per  hour,  —  enough,  we  should  judge,  to  saturate  a 
common  meal,  —  therefore  the  water  is  not  needed.  I  urge  no 
objection  against  the  more  rational  custom  of  merely  sprinkling 
the  food  with  salted  water,  in  view  of  absorbing  dust  which 
often  abounds  in  inferior  hay;  but  I  seriously  object  to  the 
above  hydropathic  method  of  preparing  food. 

From  experiments  made  on  the  human  subject,  it  has  been 
ascertained  that  parsnips,  carrots,  turnips,  and  cabbage,  which 
contain  from  80  to  90  per  cent  of  water,  require  over  twice  as 
much  time  to  digest  as  solid  food  does.  Cabbage  for  ex- 
ample, requires  twenty,  and  broiled  beefsteak  only  eight  hours 
to  digest. 

Turn  a  cow  into  a  luxuriant  pasture  of  grass  or  clover,  and 
after  partaking  of  one  or  the  other,  she  is  liable  to  become 
"  blown  or  hoven  "  —  tympanitic  ;  the  abdomen  becomes  enor- 
mously distended  with  gas  (either  carbonic  acid  gas  or  sulphur- 
etted hydrogen),  and  unless  the  same  be  condensed  or  evacu- 
ated, rupture  and  death  are  sure  to  follow.  This  imperfect 
digestion  and  consequent  generation  of  gas  is  due  to  the  presence 
of  vegetable  fluids  found  in  green  fodder.  Therefore,  animals 
having  weak  digestive  organs  —  predisposed  to  flatulency  — 
should  have  the  privilege  of  watering  their  own  food  with  sali- 
vial fluid.  The  best  diet  for  such  an  animal  would  be  "  dry 
feed"  composed  of  ground  oats,  cracked  corn,  ^^Jinefeed"  and 
a  small  quantity  of  sweet  hay.  On  the  other  hand,  a  consti- 
pated state  of  the  bowels  always  indicates  coarse  food ;  and  in 
this  view  the  Engli-^h  use  chopped  straw  and  coarse  bran  with 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  137 

decided  advantage.  Animals  should  never  be  watered  imme- 
diately before,  nor  after,  meals,  but  after  the  lapse  of  an  hour 
from  feeding  time  is  the  best. 

AS  REGARDS  THE  QUANTITY  OF  FOOD  REQUIRED. 

The  adult  animal  does  not  require  so  much  of  the  flesh- 
making  principle  as  the  young  and  growing,  but  he  seems  to 
require  a  greater  variety.  The  adult  merely  requires  enough 
to  replace  the  waste  —  the  wear  and  tear  of  his  system.  If  he 
obtains  more  than  this,  the  surplus  is  either  excreted  from  the 
body,  or  else  stored  up  within  the  same  in  the  form  of  fat ;  and 
everybody  knows  that  a  fat  horse  or  2,  fat  man,  are  not  best 
adapted  for  a  race,  nor  hard  labor ;  but  of  all  others  (except 
those  in  a  state  of  debility),  they  are  most  subject  to  acute  dis- 
ease. With  the  young  and  growing  animal  the  case  is  different. 
Here  we  require  bone,  muscle,  and  nerve.  Oats,  corn,  and  pol- 
lard furnish  the  same.  The  colt  and  calf  obtain  from  their 
mother's  milk  all  the  elements  of  their  own  organization  in  a 
concentrated  form  —  all  that  seems  necessary  for  developing 
bodily  proportions  and  hereditary  traits ;  therefore,  when 
weaned,  the  young  must  be  furnished  with  the  same  equiva- 
lents in  the  form  of  fodder ;  ground  oats,  wheat  bran,  and  meal 
furnish  the  same. 

It  is  the  young  and  growing  animal  that  requires  our  greatest 
attention.  If  my  readers  desire  to  raise  animals  that  shall  re- 
munerate them  for  the  trouble  and  expense  incurred,  they  must 
feed  the  same,  during  their  minority,  with  a  liberal  hand.  Any 
neglect  at  this  period  can  never  be  made  up  in  after  life  ;  the 
subject  will  always  remain  lank  and  lean,  —  living  monuments 
of  their  master's  folly  or  ignorance,  as  the  case  may  be.  In 
addition  to  the  food  required  for  the  calfs  growth,  we  must  also 
furnish  enough  to  supply  the  waste  ipcurred  by  expenditure  of 
muscular  power.  We  all  know  that  the  young  are  very  active 
and  playful.  Every  muscular  movement  involves  an  expendi- 
ture of  vital  force,  and  thus  exhausts  the  system  ;  therefore,  in 
yiew  of  developing  their  full  proportions,  and  promoting  the 
12* 


loO  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

integrity  of  the  living  mechanism,  they  must  Jiave  nutritious 
food  and  plenty  of  it.  They  are  not,  however,  to  have  a  large 
quantity  at  a  time,  but  little  and  often  ;  their  stomach  is  small, 
not  larger  than  that  of  a  man.  Should  it  be  over-distended 
with  coarse  and  innutritious  food,  the  organs  of  respiration  and 
circulation  become  embarrassed,  and  the  blood  loaded  with 
carbon.  They  require  food  often,  because  the  digestive  organs 
are  very  active,  and  soon  dispose  of  an  ordinary  meal ;  then 
comes  the  sensation  of  hunger,  which  every  one  knows  is  hard 
to  bear. 

ANIMALS    INTENDED    FOR    FAST    WORK   MUST   NOT   BE 
ALLOWED    TO    ACCUMULATE    FAT. 

The  adult  horse  or  ox  should  neither  lose  nor  gain  flesh  from 
day  to  day ;  this  is  the  case  with  a  full-grown  man  in  the  phy- 
siological condition.  The  amount  of  food  should  be  in  propor- 
tion to  the  amount  of  labor  performed,  so  that  waste  and  nour- 
ishment may  be  equally  balanced  and  readily  adjusted.  A  large 
amount  of  food  requires  a  relative  amount  of  work.  An  ani- 
mal fed  liberally,  and  kept  in  the  barn,  must  accumulate  fat, 
and  consequently  becomes  dull,  stupid,  and  "  sleepy." 

The  city  of  Boston  own  and  employ  some  150  or  200  horses 
in  removing  street  sweepings  and  offal.  These  animals  are 
seldom  urged  beyond  a  walk,  and  large,  powerful  horses  as  they 
are,  their  labor  is  comparatively  light.  Such  are  fed  with  a 
liberal  hand,  out  of  the  city  crib,  abounding  in  the  best  kind 
of  fodder.  They  have  comfortable  quarters  at  night,  and  the 
stables  are  celebrated  for  cleanliness  and  good  ventilation. 
Under  such  circumstances  the  reader  will  not  be  surprised  when 
I  inform  him  that  the  recipients  of  City  Stable  bounty  are  as 
fat  as  aldermen,  and  some  of  them  clumsy  as  elephants.  And 
it  almost  invariably  happens  that  when  such  are  attacked  by 
acute  disease,  death  is  the  result.  Contrast  the  condition  of 
these  animals  with  that  of  the  Roxbury  omnibus  horses  j  the 
latter  are  equally  well  fed  and  cared  for,  yet  they  seldom  accu- 
mulate fat ;  this  is  due  to  the  laborious  nature  of  their  work, 
which  requires  quick  respiratory  and  muscular  movements,  in 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  139 

the  performance  of  which  feats  the  carbon  of  the  food  is  in 
ratio  to  the  oxygen  inspired.  Now  note  the  difference  :  should 
the  latter  be  attacked  with  acute  disease,  it  generally  yields 
under  proper  medical  treatment.  This  teaches  us  that  if  we  want 
horses  capable  of  enduring  fatigue,  under  rapid  muscular  action, 
we  must  not  allow  the  fat  to  accumulate,  but  the  moment  a 
horse  increases  in  bulk  or  weight,  —  beyond  what  may  be  con- 
sidered fair  condition,  —  that  moment  the  daily  allowance  of 
food  must  be  diminished,  or  he  must  be  compelled  to  work 
harder,  and  thus  exhaust  the  superabundant  carbon.  It  will  be 
seen,  therefore,  that  it  is  a  matter  of  impossibility  to  lay  down 
any  dietary  rules  that  shall  meet  the  wants  of  all  animals,  for 
their  wants  are  subject  to  considerable  modification,  and  the 
quantity  of  food  suitable  for  one  animal  might  be  too  great  or 
small  for  others.  Age,  sex,  climate,  constitution,  condition  or 
life,  state  of  health,  kind  of  work,  etc.,  are  the  modifying  cir- 
cumstances. 

Under  a  state  of  rest  cattle  are  more  prone  to  accumulate 
fat  than  horses.  The  working  ox  should  never  be  allowed  to 
acquire  much  fat,  for  he  will  not  only  be  lazy  like  the  "  fat  boy," 
but  he  will  also  feel  uncomfortable,  and  actually  suffer  in  hot 
weather.  It  has  lately  been  discovered  that  almost  all  fat 
animals  are  subject  to  enlargement  of  the  heart,  and  this  en- 
largement is  occasioned  by  the  substitution  of  fat  for  muscle, 
and  this  leads  not  only  to  distortion  of  form,  but  the  cavities 
of  the  heart  contract,  and  thus  circulation  is  defective.  The. 
moment  this  occurs  the  animal  is  liable  to  become  diseased,  and 
like  the  horse,  is  liable  when  diseased  to  die  suddenly.  There- 
fore, I  advise  farmers,  in  view  of  guarding  against  sickness  and 
death,  to  feed  their  animals  lighter,  and  give  them  an  occasional 
meal  of  straw,  for  considerable  farinaceous  aliment  can  be  ob- 
tained from  it. 

"  The  attention  of  agriculturists  in  France  has  been  recently 
directed  to  the  discovery  of  a  method  of  converting  straw  into 
a  kind  of  bran.  The  discovery  has  been  claimed  by  two  in- 
dividuals. The  first  is  a  miller,  near  Dijon,  who,  it  is  said,  on 
trying  the  mill-stone  of  a  new  mill,  discovered  the  possibility 


140         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

of  converting  straw  into  a  nourishing  food.  The  second,  M. 
Jos.  Maitre,  of  Vilotte,  near  Chatillon. 

"  This  distinguished  agriculturist,  known  for  the  purity  and 
perfection  of  his  breeds  of  sheep,  conceived  the  idea  of  con- 
verting into  farina  not  only  the  straw  of  wheat  and  other 
grains,  but  of  hay,  trefoil,  lucerne,  sanfoin,  etc.  His  efforts  are 
said  to  have  been  perfectly  successful,  and  his  discovery  arrived 
at,  not  by  chance,  but  by  long  experiment  and  research.  The 
aliment  which  he  has  produced  is  said  to  be  a  complete  sub- 
stitute for  bran.  It  is  given  to  sheep  and  lambs,  who  consume 
it  with  avidity,  and  may  be  given  to  all  other  graminivorous 
animals  as  a  grateful  and  substantial  food.  We  know  in  this 
country  that  the  mere  chopping  of  straw  adds  greatly  to  its 
powers  by  facilitating  mastication  and  digestion.  We  may  be- 
lieve that  a  more  perfect  comminution  of  its  parts  will  produce 
a  corresponding  effect,  and  extend  very  widely  the  uses  of  straw 
and  other  fodder  as  a  means  of  feeding  our  domestic  animals." 

The  climate  or  temperature  of  the  surrounding  atmosphere  has 
a  wonderful  effect  on  the  animal  machine.  Let  two  horses  be 
located  in  different  stables,  one  of  which  shall  be  like  "  Jack 
Straw's"  house  —  neither  wind-tight  nor  water-proof;  the 
other  is  built  on  tlie  air-tight  principle,  the'  occupant  of  the 
former  will  require  more  food  than  he  of  the  latter,  because 
cold  air  has  a  depressing  influence  on  the  body,  exhausting 
superficial  heat.  Our  readers  are  probably  aware  that  if  a  hot 
brick  be  placed  in  contact  with  a  cold  one,  the  caloric  radiated 
from  the  first,  is  absorbed  by  the  latter,  until  a  sort  of  equilib- 
rium be  established.  The  same  is  true  as  regards  the  body  of  a 
horse,  he  being  in  an  atmosphere  many  degrees  less  than  that  of 
his  own  body,  gives  off  the  heat  of  the  same  to  the  surrounding 
medium.  The  heat  thus  given  off,  has  to  be  replaced  by  food, 
which  is  the  combustible  material.  But  it  often  happens  that 
the  digestive  organs  are  deranged — incapable  of  assimulating 
a  sufficiency  of  carbonaceous  material  to  maintain  even  the 
normal  temperature  of  the  body.  The  consequences  are  loss 
of  flesh  and  health.  On  the  other  hand,  a  fat  animal  can  endure 
the  depressing  influences   of  a  cold  atmosphere,  because   \i^ 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  Idl 

has  within  the  body  a  vast  generator  and  non-conductor  of 
heat  in  the  form  of  adipose  matter.  It  has  been  proved  that 
the  immediate  cause  of  death  in  warm  blooded  animals,  when 
food  has  been  withheld,  was  their  inability  to  keep  up  that 
temperature  necessary  for  the  integi'ity  of  vital  operations. 
The  animal  located  in  an  air-tight  stable  is,  probably,  sur- 
rounded by  an  atmosphere  almost  equal  in  temperature  to  that 
of  his  own  body,  and  consequently  he  does  not  require  so  much 
food  as  the  former.  Hence,  the  amount  of  food  necessary  in 
the  one  case  might  be  too  much  for  another,  and  consequently 
operate  injuriously. 

A  cold,  bracing  wind  is  said  to  "  sharpen  the  appetite." 
The  inhabitants  of  northern  regions  require  more  food  than 
those  of  the  southern.  A  horse,  therefore,  of  weak,  muscular 
organization,  the  subject  of  debility,  requires  a  comfortable 
.  stable,  and  food  that  will  develop  muscles.  Now  it  has  been 
ascertained  that  horse-beans  contain  more  of  the  nitro-albumin- 
ous  principled,  than  any  other  article-  of  diet.  English  horses 
are  very  partial  to  the  same,  and  in  such,  the  development  of 
muscle  is  very  remarkable ;  consequently,  a  fat  horse  requires 
less  of  the  nitro-albuminous  principle,  and  more  of  the  aque- 
ous in  the  form  of  carrots,  potatoes,  and  beets. 

It  must  never  be  forgotten  that  some  horses  will  keep  in  fair 
working  order  on  a  moderate  supply  of  aliment ;  in  such  cases, 
we  infer  that  the  digestive  organs,  are  in  a  state  of  activity, 
capable  of  extracting  all  the  nutrient  properties  from  the  same. 
On  the  other  hand,  a  horse  performs  less  work  than  the  for- 
mer ;  consumes  twice  as  much  food :  yet  actually  loses  flesh. 
The  digestive  organs  are  then  at  fault.  A  horse  however  may 
lose  flesh,  become  weak  in  his  legs,  etc.,  in  consequence  of 
the  laborious  nature  of  his  employment.  Therefore,  any  de- 
rangement occasioned  in  this  way,  prevents  the  food  from 
being  converted  into  healthy  chyme,  chyle,  or  blood,  and  tlms 
the  necessary  deposit  of  new  matter  is  prevented. 

Most  voracious  feeders  are  dyspeptic,  and  such  are  almost 
never  free  from  intestinal  worms  ;  their  breath  becomes  foetid ; 
saliva  tlii^k  and  tenacious  ;  excrement  slimy  ;    and  should  the 


142  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

subject  be  fed  on  oats,  the  same  would  be  found,  after  travers- 
ing tlie  alimentary  canal,  unmasticated.  The  principal  remedy 
for  indigestion,  is  change  in  (Iret :  sometimes  it  may  be  proper 
to  allow  scalded  oats,  although  cooking  does  not  add  to  their 
nutritive  quality,  yet,  more  or  less,  completes  the  destruction 
of  organization,  and  better  prepares  them  for  the  action  of 
weak  solvents. 

Changes  in  diet  will  sometimes  work  wonders  in  the  restora- 
tion of  a  dyspeptic;  yet  he  will  require  also,  medicines,  pos- 
sessing stimulating,  tonic,  and  antiseptic  properties,  such  as 
gentian,  ginger,  and  salt.     In  the  following  proportions  :  — 

Powdered  Ctentian, , 2  ounces. 

''         Ginger, 3  ounces. 

"         Salt, 3  ounces. 

Mix.  Divide  the  mass  into  eleven  parts,  and  mix  one  with 
the  food  daily. 

AS  REGARDS  CHANGES  IN  DIET, 

I  do  not  recommend  sudden  changes.  For  example :  should 
an  animal  have  been  previously  fed  on  corn,  meal,  or  oats, 
I  am  not  in  favor  of  his  being  turned  out  to  pasture  to 
shift  for  himself  as  the  saying  is,  and  depend  entirely  on 
grass  for  a  living.  Grass  acts  on  animals  unaccustomed  to  it 
as  an  aperient  —  scours  them ;  and  such  is  a  debilitating  process. 
Grass  may  improve  the  health  of  a  fat,  lazy,  or  humory  animal 
—  reduce  flesh  and  purify  his  blood  ;  but  the  emaciated  one 
requires,  in  addition,  a  daily  feed  of  oats  or  cracked  corn,  to 
make  up  for  the  deficiency  of  carbon  in  the  former.  For  these 
and  other  reasons,  that  we  might  urge,  the  reader  will  perceive 
that  changes  in  diet  can  only  be  made  valuable  in  proportion  to 
our  knowledge  of  the  wants  of  the  animal  economy. 

A  great  proportion  of  our  animals  are  too  well  fed,  —  obtain 
more  food  than  they  require.  In  this  land  of  plenty,  most  of 
our  valuable  stock  are  overfed,  and  more  especially  does  this 
happen  among  animals  owned  by  wealthy  and  liberal  individ- 
uals. The  impression  I  wish  to  convey  to  the  mind  of  the 
reader  is,  that  the  food  of  such  is  not  proportioned  to  labor ; 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  143 

in  Other  words,  there  exists  a  disproportion  between  the  amount 
of  carbon  taken  in  the  form  of  food,  and  the  oxygen  received 
in  the  process  of  respiration.  Now  to  illustrate  this,  we  will 
suppose  that  a  man  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  owns  one  or 
more  horses,  he  has  not  the  time  nor  inclination  to  give  the  one 
or  the  other  the  necessary  amount  of  exercise  ;  they  stand  up 
to  a  full  crib,  from  day  to  day,  enjoying,  or  rather,  gorging, 
themselves  with  a  certain  amount  of  fodder,  over  and  above 
what  they  actually  require,  and  much  more  than  they  really 
need  ;  the  surplus  is  often  stored  up  in  the  form  of  fat,  and  this 
induces  acute  diseases,  and  they  die  of  too  much  food  and  care. 
It  is  very  rare  that  we  have  occasion  to  recommend  a  man  to 
feed  his  horse  more  liberally ;  but  almost  always  the  reverse. 
Starvation  is  said  to  be  the  cause  for  many  equine  diseases, 
but  so  far  as  my  experience  goes,  such  cases  are,  in  this  coun- 
try, very  rare.  We  conceive  the  term  starvation  to  be  a  libel 
upon  civilization  ;  and  so  infrequent  is  its  application  among  a 
nation  of  husbandmen,  that  it  is  omitted  in  our  dictionaries.  A 
man  on  a  barren  rock,  or  an  animal  in  the  deserts  of  Arabia, 
might  probably  starve^  but  the  idea  of  the  latter  starving  in 
the  vicinity  of  a  well-stocked  barn,  or  stable,  within  striking 
distance  of  a  land  of  plenty,  seems  to  be  a  very  absurd  con- 
clusion. 

There  are  enough  animals  to  be  found  dressed  up  in  the  garb 
of  starvation  ;  having  tight  skins,  prominent  ribs,  and  a  cadav- 
erous countenance,  living,  yet  half  dead.  But  they  know 
nothing  of  the  "Famine  in  Egypt;"  they  get  enough,  but  too 
much  of  the  same  kind.  They  probably  require  a  change  in 
diet,  or  else  they  are  confirmed  dyspeptics,  laboring  under  a 
chronic  form  of  indigestion,  and  if  such  should  be  the  case, 
quantity  is  objectionable,  and  good  quality  more  desirable ;  (he 
stomach,  however,  is  not  at  fault,  its  function  being  deranged. 
Or  they  probably  get  enough,  and  perhaps  too  much  for  a  weak 
stomach,  hence  loss  of  flesh,  etc. 

Some  men  are  in  the  habit  of  bleeding  their  animals  every 
spring ;  this  is  done  in  view  of  reducing  fat  and  flesh,  the  sub- 
jects  being   humory,   plethoric;    their  systems  abounding   in 


144         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

highly  carbonized  blood ;  and  this  is  proof  positive  that  the 
same  have  been  overfed.  The  racer,  before  he  can  perform  a 
feat  of  speed,  must  be  prepared,  as  the  saying  is  ;  this  implies 
bleeding  and  physicing.  Some  works  on  farriery  lay  down 
regular  rules  for  putting  a  horse  in  racing  condition,  and  the 
remedies  are  fleam,  physic,  and  bran,  proof  positive  that  such 
animals  have  had  too  bounteous  a  supply  of  nutriment. 

Some  horses,  and  the  same  is  true  of  man,  grow  poor  in  con- 
sequence of  having  to  carry  about  a  juvenile  restaurant,  within 
their  digestive  organs,  they  probably  become  exhausted,  or 
plethoric,  as  the  case  may  be,  in  consequence  of  an  over-bur- 
dened stomach.  A  stomach  over-burdened,  reacts  on  the  ner- 
vous system,  deranges  the  physiological  condition  of  the  sub- 
ject, and  lays  the  foundation  for  hypertrophy  (which  is  an 
abnormal  increase  of  fat  or  tissue),  or  the  opposite,  which 
condition  is  known  as  atrophy  —  a  wasting  of  the  same.  But 
most  frequently  an  over-burdened  stomach  induces  diseases 
known  as  staggers,  cerebral  congestion,  softening  of  brain,  etc., 
etc. 

Many  persons  are  continually  devising  means  to  excite  the 
appetite  of  their  animals,  in  order  to  get  as  much  food  as 
possible  into  their  stomachs  ;  they  seem  to  think  that  an  error 
in  this  direction  can  never  occur,  and  should  the  same  refuse  to 
consume  the  abundance  placed  before  them,  the  liberal 
individual  complains  that  his  cow  has  a  poor  appetite,  and  does 
not  eat  "  worth  a  centr  Now  it  were  far  better  for  both  man 
and  cow,  if  the  former  would  only  experiment  in  the  oppo- 
site direction,  and  ascertain  how  small  a  quantity  both  may 
subsist  on.  A  small  quantity  of  good  food,  well  digested, 
answers  the  purpose  of  nutrition  much  better  than  a  large 
quantity,  imperfectly  so.  It  is  very  interesting  to  contemplate 
how  efficient  a  little  food  proves,  for  the  promotion  of  health 
and  longevity.  For  example,  a  little  barley  and  coarse  fodder, 
will  suffice  for  the  "  Courser  of  the  Desert."  Shetland  and 
Welch  ponies  will  live  and  grow  fat  on  the  mere  vestiges  of 
vegetation.  The  hest  cow  in  the  world,  the  property  of  J.  H. 
Kelly,   of    Cleveland,   Ohio,  weighing    1,350   pounds  is   fed 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  145 

exclusively  on  hay  and  straw  —  very  poor  fodder  some  many 
exclaim,  yet  in  the  course  of  ten  months  the  same  creature 
yielded  4,921  quarts  of  milk  ;  and  during  a  single  month,  after 
calving,  she  gave  620  quarts,  and  the  least  she  gave  during  the 
winter  months  was  562  quarts. 

A  pig  will  grow  fat  on  small  quantities  of  various  kinds  of 
food  and  still  lose  flesh  when  allowed  to  gorge  himself  with 
the  same.  Many  swine  in  the  vicinity  of  coal  mines,  consume 
both  coal  and  charcoal,  and  little  else,  yet  they  grow  fat. 

Evidences  can  be  furnished  to  show  that  both  the  superior 
and  inferior  orders  of  creation  might  subsist  on  a  very  small 
quantity  of  food  without  danger.  Shipwrecked  mariners  have 
been  known  to  subsist  several  weeks  without  food ;  and  there 
is  a  man  now  residing  in  this  State  who  during  a  period  of  32 
days  never  tasted  food.  The  sleeping  man  of  Rochester,  is 
another  example  ;  and  a  case  is  recorded  in  one  of  our  medical 
journals  showing  that  an  individual  once  lived  for  several 
months  on  nothing  but  pure  water. 

As  regards  cattle  they  form  no  exception  to  this  peculiarity ; 
we  might  introduce  evidence  convincing  and  positive  of  their 
ability  to  endure  the  privations  of  hunger,  and  at  the  same 
time  show  that  they  suffer  very  little  from  its  effects.  A  single 
case  will  serve  to  illustrate  this.  I  once  treated  a  case  of 
tetanus,  lock-jaw.  The  subject  never  tasted  food  during  a 
period  of  1 6  days  ;  on  the  seventeeth,  the  masseters  relaxed  and 
the  faculty  of  swallowing  returned.  At  this  period  we  might 
suppose  him  to  be  "  hungry  as  a  hear"  yet  on  offering  him  a 
few  oats,  he  did  not  appear  to  be  very  ravenous,  and  partook 
of  food  subsequently  offered  him  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

These  are  extreme  cases,  yet  they  go  to  show  that  there  is 
no  cause  for  alarm  because  an  animal  happens  to  be  "  off  his 
feed,''  once  in  a  while.  Such  condition  may  ultimately  prove" 
salutary,  affording  the  stomach  and  its  associate  organs,  time 
to  rest  from  their  herculean  labors. 

The  fact  that  most  of  our  adult  animals,  get  more  food  than 
they  need,  has  been  demonstrated  by  analysis  of  their  excre- 
ment; Avhich  has  been  found  to  contain  a  large  amount  of 
13 


146         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

nutritious  material,  over  and  above  what  the  animals  actually 
need. 

We  can  develop  the  gormandizing  powers  of  very  many 
creatures  by  placing  before  them,  from  day  to  day,  more  than 
they  require,  their  appetites,  like  some  of  ours,  are  not  proof 
auainst  temptation,  and  the  digestive  organs  may  be  trained  to 
dispose  of  twice  the  quantity  of  food,  actually  needed,  and 
the  habit  at  first  acquired,  becomes  permanent,  and  the 
creature  is  known  as  a  voracious  feeder  —  a  glutton.  Hence, 
through  indiscretions  of  this  character,  we  can  augment  both 
function  and  capacity  of  stomach.  I  remember  examining 
the  stomach  of  a  horse,  the  property  of  a  baker,  who  was  in 
the  habit  of  feeding  the  former  on  brown  bread.  The  animal 
died  of  chronic  indigestion,  and  his  stomach  exceeded  in 
capacity  that  of  two  ordinary  horses. 

Great  care,  therefore,  is  requisite  in  regard  to  the  proper 
feeding  of  all  animals,  for  in  their  domesticated  state,  they  have 
lost  those  natural  instincts  which  serve  to  inform  the  untamed 
animal  of  the  necessary  amount  of  food  which  his  system  needs, 
and  they  are  in  the  condition  of  a  thoughtless  child  that  will 
eat  all  day,  and  on  retiring  to  bed  will  crave  and  cry  for  more. 

My  readers  have  probably  heard  of  the  gormadizing  pro- 
pensities of  natives  in  the  arctic  regions  ;  some  of  them  think 
nothing  of  bolting  down  20  pounds  of  meat  and  oil  per  day,  and 
making  a  good  supper  on  tallow  candles.  A  case  is  related,  by 
Captain  Cochrane,  of  a  Russian  who  eat,  in  the  course  of 
twenty-four  hours,  the  hindquarter  of  an  ox,  twenty  pounds 
of  fat  and  drank  a  quantity  of  melted  butter.  He  also  states 
that  he  has  seen  three  gluttons  consume  a  deer  at  one  meal. 
But  we  need  not  go  beyond  our  immediate  vicinity  to  prove 
that  the  gormandizing  powers  of  both  men  and  horses  are 
equally  extraordinary.  The  corn  dealer's  bill  furnishes  one 
illustration  ;  and  the  lengthened  meal  which  some  of  our  young 
men  indulge  in,  commencing  in  the  morning  and  only  ending  at 
night,  completes  the  evidence. 

Hence  with  these  facts  before  us,  we  may  safely  conclud(j 
that  errors  in  diet  are  constantly  occurring,  and  consequently, 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  147 

a  great  many  unnecessary  diseases  arise  in  consequence  ;  there- 
fore I  recommend  the  reader  to  make  an  experiment  in  the 
opposite  direction,  and  ascertain  how  small  a  quantity  of  good 
food  will  answer  the  purpose  of  nutrition. 

Should  the  quantity  be  insufficient  for  the  animal's  wants, 
we  shall  soon  be  made  aware  of  the  fact,  by  loss  of  flesh  and 
other  unmistakable  signs.  On  the  other  hand,  the  error  alluded 
to  is  not  so  easily  corrected,  for  the  animal  may  die  over- 
burdened with  fat,  of  an  acute  disease,  before  we  can  reduce 
his  svstem. 


ON  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  BREEDING. 

It  is  a  law  of  nature  that  peculiarities  of  form,  size,  color, 
etc.,  shall  be  transmitted  by  parents  to  offspring  —  "  like  begets 
lil-e,^''  —  although  under  certain  circumstances  a  modification  of 
this  law  is  to  be  expected.  If,  for  example,  we  liberate  an 
animal  from  domestication  and  its  influences  which  are  known 
to  operate  very  markedly  on  animal  organizations  and  habits, 
the  creature  thus  liberated  loses  its  acquirements,  and  in  suc- 
cessive generations  gradually  returns  to  the  original  type  ;  this 
is  a  modification  of  the  above  law,  and  supposing  our  pecuniary 
interests  are  the  object  of  the  experiment,  it  will  be  an  im- 
provement in  the  wrong  direction. 

On  the  other  hand,  take  a  wild  animal ;  bring  him  under  the 
influences  of  domestication,  and  he  gradually  loses  all  his  dis- 
tinctive characteristics  of  size,  form  and  instinct,  and  in  pop- 
ular language  becomes  a  new  creature  ;  improved  or  not,  as  the 
case  may  be  ;  under  the  direction  of  his  lord  and  master.  So 
that  the  inferior  orders  of  creation,  are  really  the  creatures  of 
circumstances,  —  these  changes  are  the  result  of  man's  experi- 
ence, or  non -experience.  These  are  general  propositions  which 
"  precede  beaut?/  and  symmetry." 

Beauty  and  Symmetry.  —  If  we  examine  into  the  methods 
pursued  by  some  of  the  most   successful  raisers  of  live  stock, 


1#P        THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

we  finau  see  that  they  paid  particular  attention  to  the  selection 
of  "  well-formed,  beautiful  animals."  They  very  naturally  sup- 
posed that  external  conformation  was  transmissible :  that  if 
they  happened  to  obtain  a  good  calf  or  foal,  from  inferior,  dis- 
eased, or  mal-formed  parents,  it  was  purely  accidental  and  out 
of  the  ordinary  course  of  nature.  In  selecting  beautiful  an- 
imals they  naturally  excluded  those  of  narrow  chest ;  which 
peculiarity  is  indicative  of  predisposition  to  pulmonary  affec- 
tions, and  founder  (the  latter  term  signifying  a  worthless  or 
ruined  condition,  which  in  the  eye  of  the  law  renders  them  ac- 
tually unsound),  because  they  have  that  about  them  which  may 
impair  their  future  usefulness ;  hence  for  more  reasons  than 
one,  such  are  unfit  for  breeding  purposes,  unless,  however,  the 
morbid  phenomena  be  neutralized  by  blood,  in  one  of  the  pa- 
rents, of  a  superior  order ;  free  from  taint  as  it  appears  in  the 
other. 

In  my  adventures  in  search  of  the  beautiful,  I  should  pass 
by  all  animals  having  any  peculiarity  of  conformation,  general 
or  local,  which  experience  teaches  me  are  sure  to  re-appear, 
either  directly  or  indirectly,  in  future  progeny.  This  appears 
to  be  the  proper  course  to  pursue ;  yet  many,  otherwise  intelli- 
gent men,  will  invest  their  money  in  the  purchase  of  defective 
animals,  merely  because  they  can  be  bought  clieap,  when  every 
body  knows,  or  ought  to  know,  that  cheap  cows,  like  cheap 
watches,  cost  more  in  the  end  for  repairs,  etc.,  than  a  commodity 
of  more  real  value. 

The  same  rule  applies  to  horses  ;  some  men  if  they  happen 
to  be  in  possession  of  a  broken-down  mare,  unable  from  faults, 
defects,  old  age,  and  disease,  to  perform  ordinary  horse  duties, 
they  commence  a  speculation  in  a  different  enterprise  ;  the  re- 
productive organs  must  be  exercised ;  just  at  this  time  some 
shrewd  cent-and-dollar-calculating  jockey,  advertises  and  ex- 
hibits a  well-fed,  prancing  steed,  bearing  a  popular  name  ;  but 
his  whole  carcase  is  redolent  of  faults  and  defects,  whicli  the 
owner  is  not  expected  to  know  any  thing  about,  and  if  he  does 
it  is  not  for  his  interest  to  point  them  out ;  the  price  of  copula- 
tion is  dirt  cheap,  and  the  foolish  speculator  expects  to  obtain  a 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  149 

smart  colt,  tliat  will,  eventually,  command  a  high  price.  But 
alas  for  such  milk-and-water  calculations !  The  expected 
specimen  of  equine  animality,  inherits  and  exhibits  its  parental 
infirmities  and  deformities,  and  ultimately  becomes  a  living 
monument  of  the  folly  of  its  owner. 

There  is  no  beauty  in  the  faults  and  defects  which  must  nec- 
essarily occur  through  the  sexual  congress  of  faulty  and  de- 
fective animals ;  neither  can  there  be  grace  in  the  motions  of 
an  overfed  or  ill-conditioned  animal ;  beauty,  symmetry,  grace 
and  soundness,  are  defunct  in  the  ill-conditioned  creature,  or 
otherwise  defective  one  —  a  mere  apology  for  the  handiwork  of 
nature.  The  muscular  system  of  a  horse,  or  cow,  may  in  some 
regions  of  the  body  be  well  developed ;  but  should  their  limbs 
be  unnaturally  curved,  or  any  part  of  their  system  be  out  of 
proportion  to  the  other  parts  of  the  body,  then  beauty  has 
never  seated  itself  on  their  thrones ;  yet  we  can  improve  the 
appearance  of  such  animals  by  artificial  means  and  costly 
adornments ;  this  artificial  kind  of  beauty  is  what  most  men 
seek  after,  and  at  a  high  price  to  their  sorrow  obtain  it ; 
whereas,  the  real  beauty  of  form  and  endowments  which  prac- 
tical husbandmen  really  require,  must  originate  unartificiallr, 
in  the  living  citadel ;  must  be  the  work  of  nature  and  not  of 
art. 

It  is  a  fact  well  known  to  many  men,  that  animals  of  fault- 
less form  —  having  symmetrical  proportions,  are  exempt  from 
many  diseases  which  are  the  heritage  of  faulty  and  inferior 
animals,  and  insurance  companies  take  advantage  of  this 
knowledge  and  insure  the  former  at  less  rates  than  the  latter. 
As  an  illustration  of  the  above,  I  may  be  permitted  to  remark 
that  the  "  Arabian  Courser,"  English  "  blood  horse,"  American 
"  Black  Hawk,"  and  pure  ""Devon  "  cow,  —  all  remarkable 
for  good  points,  beauty  and  endurance,  —  are  exempt  from 
many  of  the  common  and  unnecessary  diseases  and  abortions. 
Beauty  and  symmetrical  proportions  contribute  to  health ;  be- 
cause there  is  a  certain  degree  of  relationship  between  external 
and  internal  organs  and  functions.  For  example,  a  fine  exte- 
rior, good  depth  of  chest,  well-proportioned  muscles  and  ^^race- 
13* 


150  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

fill  limbs  are  generally  co-existent  with  good  "  wind  anc 
bottom  ; "  and  the  subjects  of  course  possess  active  respiratory 
organs,  a  finely  balanced  circulation,  and  a  digestive  apparatus 
that  can  digest  every  article  in  the  shape  of  fodder.  In  select- 
ing the  beautiful,  we  therefore  obtain  material  for  perpetuating 
health,  long  life,  and  valuable  offspring. 

One  of  Blakewell's  great  secrets  was  "breed  from  the 
beautiful."  I  allude  to  him  because  he  was  the  most  successful 
**  breeder"  that  England  ever  boasted  of.  At  the  onset  he  paid 
great  attention  to  "  beauty  of  form;"  having  developed  a  fine 
exterior,  he  engrafted  on  it  the  useful.  He  was  well  aware 
that  beauty  and  utility  were  not  always  combined,  but  being 
in  possession  of  the  former,  he  could  produce  the  latter  to 
"  order;"  and  he  accomplished  his  object  in  the  following  man- 
ner. He  required  cows  that  would  yield  a  large  quantity  of 
milk ;  consequently  he  selected  those  whose  dams  had  long 
been  celebrated  for  their  excellent  milking  qualities,  and  from 
among  such  he  chose  the  very  best  female  of  the  family,  and 
united  her  with  a  beautiful  male.  Having,  in  the  production 
of  offspring  through  the  above  union,  accomplished  his  object, 
he  then  paid  less  attention  to  beauty,  and  more  to  the  milking 
qualities,  so  as  to  render  the  latter  permanent  in  the  breed; 
still,  in  all  his  experiments  he  rejected  uncouth,  unthrifty,  and 
defective  animals. 

I  am  aware,  however,  that  the  evils  of  domestication  are 
operative,  to  a  certain  extent,  on  all  animals.  Still  I  contend 
that  the  "  well  bred"  animal  can  resist  the  insidious  encroach- 
ments of  disease,  and  survive  longer  under  its  depressing  in- 
fluence than  "ill"  favored  creatures.  Illustrations  are  not 
wanting  to  prove  the  correctness  of  Blakewell's  theory,  there- 
fore, I  advise  the  reader  to  follow  the  example  of  one  who  has 
been  styled  the  "  Napoleon  of  bi-eeders." 

IN-AND-IN  BREEDING, 

We  now  inquire,  What  is  breeding  in-and-in  ?  I  answer,  it 
implies  consanguinity ;  breeding  from  animals  of  the  same 
blood,  or  propagating  in  a  close  degree  of  relationship. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  151 

Some  persons  have  an  idea  that  this  system  is  pernicious,  and 
leads  to  degeneracy  and  premature  decay.  But  that  is  a  matter 
of  argument,  and  does,  as  I  shall  attempt  to  prove,  depend  on 
the  skill  of  the  "  breeder,"  and  his  ability  to  make  wise  selec- 
tions. The  human  race  —  the  sons  and  daughters  of  "Adam 
and  Eve,"  —  afford  a  stupendous  illustration  of  the  practica? 
bility  of  "in-and-in  breeding."  The  millions  terrestrial,  all 
originated  (so  the  good  book  informs  us)  from  our  "common" 
parents,  and  consequently  we  are  all  "  blood "  relations.  And 
this  fact  goes  to  show  that  in-and-in  breeding  is  in  accord- 
ance with  the  laws  of  physiology,  and  does  not  conflict  with  the 
intentions  of  "  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well."  It  is  a  part 
of  the  great  scheme  of  creation  —  a  physiological  law  —  the 
problem  of  life,  to  solve  which  God  has  endowed  us  with 
reason,  "  God-like  reason,"  the  exercise  of  which  puts  us 
in  possession  of  the  fruit  of  the  "tree  of  knowledge ;"  the  non- 
exercise  of  the  same  furnishes  us  with  forbidden  fruit. 

Ill-assorted  marriages  —  "consumption  mating  with  con- 
sumption," and  scrofula  with  scrofula,  seeks  at  the  "  altar"  an 
introduction  to  an  early  grave.  The  same  is  true  of  animals  ; 
bad  selections  thwart  the  intentions  of  the  Creator,  mar  his 
handiwork,  and,  if  a  friendly  epizootic  sweeps  them  from  the 
face  of  the  earth,  it  is  more  of  a  blessing  than  a  curse. 

From  the  great  human  family  I  select  a  "branch"  (to  illus- 
trate this  principle),  and  I  choose  to  refer  to  the  Jews ;  so  long 
as  they  are  so  in  faith  and  practice  —  marrying  their  own  kin- 
dred —  they  are  a  living  illustration  of  the  above  principle. 
Have  they  degenerated  ?  No.  The  distinctive  characteristics 
of  the  race  are  just  as  remarkable  as  they  ever  were  ;  the 
vicious  and  defective  find  an  early  grave,  but  the  "race"  re- 
mains pure. 

Now  as  regards  horses  and  cows,  the  same  is  true  ;  they  all 
had  a  common  origin.  The  different  varieties  that  now  exist 
are  the  work  of  time,  circumstances,  and  the  art  of  man.  The 
famous  horses  mentioned  by  Mahomet  in  the  "  Koran,"  resulted 
from  in-and-in  breeding ;  they  have  existed  and  multiplied 
for  three  thousand  years  without  the  slightest  intermixture  of 


152         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

foreign  blood,  and  from  the  time  of  Solomon  up  to  the  pres- 
ent day  their  pedigree  has  been  watched  and  chronicled  with 
great  care,  so  that  no  doubt  exists  as  regards  their  consanguinity. 
Their  fine  form,  splendid  action,  endurance,  spirit,  speed,  and 
docility,  can  only  be  retained  by  preserving  the  race  pure,  and 
this  is  an  argument  in  favor  of  in-and-in  breeding. 

No  breed  can  be  preserved  pure  unless  the  in-and-in  system 
be  pursued.  Take  the  Suffolk  pig,  for  example ;  so  long  as 
we  put  "  Suffolk  to  Suffolk"  we  get  "pure"  Suffolk  ;  and  if 
proper  selections  have  been  made,  "good  Suffolks"  are  the 
result ;  but  deviate  from  direct  lineage,  and  the  breed  degen- 
erates, for  better  or  worse,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  they  lose 
their  permanency  of  type,  and  cease  to  become  pure  bloods :  — 

"  From  the  brave  descend  the  brave.'* 

The  Suffolks  in  this  country  are  notorious  for  a  cutaneous 
disease  simulating  scrofula ;  and  many  suppose  that  this  arises 
in  consequence  of  the  in-and-in  system  of  breeding ;  this  I 
think  is  an  error.  It  results  from  the  evils  of  domestication, 
and  o6r  want  of  knowledge  in  making  proper  selections.  There 
often  is  one  or  more  animals  in  a  litter,  incapacitated  by  fault, 
defect,  or  debility,  to  perpetuate  the  stamina  and  remarkable 
points  of  the  breed ;  these  are  to  be  rejected.  If  we  fail  to  do 
so,  the  next  generation,  or  the  next  to  that,  furnish  more  con- 
vincing proof  of  error,  which  I  contend  exists  in  making"  bad" 
selections,  and  not  in  the  above  system. 

Turn  for  a  moment  to  the  history  of  the  French  Merino,  and 
we  shall  find  that  Victor  Gilbert  —  a  name  familiar  to 
America's  most  successful  sheep  raisers  —  practised  no  other 
than  the  in-and-in  system  of  breeding.  A  lot  of  Merinos 
were  sent  in  1786,  by  the  Queen  of  Spain  to  the  King  of 
France  ;  the  latter,  in  order  to  benefit  the  agricultural  com- 
munity, sent  half  of  tl^em  to  Rambouillet,  and  the  other  half 
to  Croissy.  The  climate  happened  to  suit  them,  and  they 
were  considered  superior  to  the  existing  breeds  in  France.  In 
the  year  1800,  Victor  Gilbert  bought  at  Croissy  a  four-year-old 
ram  and  eight  ewes.     He  bred  from  those  animals  during  a 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  153 

period  of  ten  years  ;  occasionally,  however,  "  renewing  the 
stock,"  as  he  termed  it,  by  purchasing  annually  from  two  to 
four  sheep.  In  1821  he  purchased  some  of  the  Rambouillet 
stock,  and  asserts  that  "  from  a  union  of  the  same  he  obtained 
great  advantages."  Now  the  reader  will  perceive  that  here 
was  an  alliance  of  blood  ;  the  two  flocks  were  of  the  same  lineal 
descent,  belonged  to  the  same  "  family,"  and  of  course  the  sys- 
tem of  breeding  wa«  on  the  in-and-in  principle. 

Now  as  regards  French  Merinos  obtained  from  the  above 
source,  and  imported  into  this  country,  we  have  only  to  refer  the 
reader  to  "  Taintor,  of  Hartford,  DeForrest,  of  New  York,  San- 
ford,  of  Vermont,  Parker  and  Howard,  of  Ohio,"  and  many  others, 
who  are  ready  and  willing,  we  presume,  to  tes^tify  as  regards 
the  prosperity  of  the  above  breed  in  this  country,  the  result  of 
in-and-in  breeding.  S.  W.  Jewett,  of  Vermont,  has  pur- 
chased, up  to  the  present  time,  over  three  hundred  bucks  and 
ewes,  the  offspring  of  the  Croissy  and  Rambouillet  breed, 
and  this  is  proof  positive  of  the  correctness  of  our  theory. 
Now  as  regards  the  advantages  of  in-and-in  breeding,  what 
are  they  ? 

When  Victor  Gilbert  purchased  the  first  ram,  he  carried  but 
9  pounds  of  wool ;  he  finally  realized  24  pounds  from  the 
rams,  and  from  the  ewes  18  pounds  ;  a  tangible  illustration  of 
the  advantages.  A  very  fine  French  Merino,  originating  from 
the  above  source,  was  very  recently  exhibited  at  a  sheep-shear- 
ing in  Wisconsin;  the  animal  weighed  325  pounds,  and  carried 
40  pounds  of  wool.  Now  the  originals,  as  I  have  already 
shown,  carried  but  "nine  pounds  ;"  so  that  the  standard,  as  re- 
gards a  particular  quality,  has  been  raised,  and  that  is  what  we 
understand  by  "  improvement." 

Mr.  V.  Barford  of  England  has  demonsti-ated  the  propriety 
of  in-and-in  breeding ;  he  is  a  man,  however,  of  superior 
judgment,  and  he  culls  and  casts  out,  from  his  flocks  and  herds, 
all  animals  showing  the  least  predisposition  to  any  defect.  A 
writer  in  the  Mark  Lane  Express,  considers  Mr.  Valentine 
Barford  "one  of  the  most  successful  in-and-in  breeders  of  sheep 
in  the  kingdom  ;  for  he  has  bred  from  the  pure  Blakewell  blood 


154         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

for  sixty-five  years,  without  the  aid  of  any  other  sort  or  kind, 
and  bred  from  his  own  flock  for  upwards  of  fifty  years,  main- 
taining size,  weight,  and  constitution." 

"  I  have  known  [continues  the  writer]  Mr.  Barford's  flock 
for  upwards  of  half  a  century,  and  they  appear  as  strong  in 
their  stamina  as  when  I  first  saw  them. 

"  Mr.  B.  does  not  use  a  ram  unless  he  has  a  wide  loin,  a 
large  breast  and  collar,  and  very  wide  between  the  fore  legs  : 
all  of  which  points  denote  s^hale  constitution.  Although  in- 
and-in  breeding  has  beat  thousands  to  a  stand,  Mr.  Barford 
still  shines  in  it." 

Therefore  I  contend  that  great  advantages  are  derived  from 
preserving  the  breed  pure  and  in  making  proper  selections.  I 
have  been  very  much  pleased  in  perusing  some  remarks  made 
by  Sanford  Howard,  at  the  State  House  last  winter,  and  pub- 
lished in  the  New  England  Farmer^  and  as  they  happen  to 
have  a  direct  bearing  on  our  subject,  I  shall  re-present  them  to 
the  reader.  "  What  is  breeding  in-and-in  ?  While  some  apply 
the  term  only  to  animals  distantly  related,  he  conceived  the 
only  true  idea  of  the  matter  to  be,  that  it  applied  to  creatures 
of  the  same  blood.  The  consequences  of  breeding  in-and-in, 
he  believed  might  be  either  good  or  bad,  and  depended  wholly 
on  the  skill  of  the  breeder.  As  proof  that  breeding  in-and-in 
was  not  contrary  to  nature,  he  referred  to  birds,  the  buffalo, 
etc.,  in  a  wild  state.  It  is  known  that  they  breed  in-and-in 
constantly,  and  yet  no  deterioration  takes  place.  He  had  known 
geese  to  be  propagated  in  this  way  for  forty  years,  and  not 
the  slightest  depreciation  in  size,  quality  or  feather  was  visible 
in  them.  Still  cases  could  be  cited  where  breeding  in-and-in 
had  produced  bad  results ;  yet  these  might  be  attributed  to 
imperfections  in  the  parent  stock.  It  is  only  necessary  to 
select  perfect  specimens." 

Having  now  attempted  to  show  that  in-and-in  breeding  is  in 
accordance  with  the  law  of  nature,  and  that  the  birth  of  infe- 
rior and  defective  animals,  under  this  rule,  resulted  from  the 
breeder's  ignorance  or  neglect,  in  making  proper  selections. 
I  shall  next  introduce  some  remarks  of  a  general  character. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  155 

THE    OBJECTS    OF   IN-AND-IN   BREEDING. 

Permanent  Varieties. —  In-and-in  breeding  should  be  prac- 
ticed in  view  of  some  specific  object ;  viz.,  perpetuating  species, 
capable  of  constantly  and  permanently  transmitting  character- 
istic peculiarities  ;  such  as  may  be  observed  in  any  particular, 
permanent,  variety ;  as  an  illustration  of  the  same,  we  offer  the 
French  Merino  sheep  ;  Black  Hawk  horse  and  Devon  bull. 
These  are  permanent  varieties  ;  the  type  of  each  having  been 
established  by  a  long  course  of  in-and-in  breeding. 

We  are  told,  however,  that  many  of  the  imported  French 
Merinos  (so  called),  have  produced  offspring  scarcely  worth 
the  trouble  of  raising — far  inferior  to  our  common  native  stock. 
The  principal  reason  is,  many  sub-races  of  merinos  existing  in 
France,  and  elsewhere,  are  the  result  of  cross-breeding ;  they 
are  nothing  else  than  mongrels ;  destitute  of  that  permanency 
of  type  indicative  of  pure  blood.  But  there  are  other  causes  for 
the  deterioration  complained  of  which  will  be  noticed  hereafter. 
By  preserving  the  race  pure,  through  a  certain  period,  we  thus 
obtain  the  requisite  permanency  of  type,  which  can  then  be 
transmitted  indefinitely. 

Let  us  see,  now,  if  we  understand  what  is  meant  by  a  per- 
manent variety,  and  inquire  if  such  do  really  transmit  their 
permanent  peculiarities.  A  permanent  variety  (Black  Hawk 
breed,  or  Devon  cow,  for  example),  are  animals  whose  pecu- 
liarities were  not  coeval  with  the  tribe,  but  have  arisen,  or 
been  engrafted  on  the  same,  subsequent  to  the  advent  of  their 
existence  ;  and  therefore  what  some  may  term  distinct  species, 
are  in  reality,  nothing  more  than  permanent  varieties.  The 
Shetland  poney,  therefore,  is  a  permanent  variety;  circum- 
stances have  made  him  just  what  he  is.  He  being  an  inhabitant 
of  a  stormy,  tempestuous  region,  comparatively  destitute  of 
shelter  and  artificial  food,  is  left,  in  many  instances,  like  the 
cattle  of  Norway  (whose  diminutive  size  is  notorious),  to  seek 
such  food  as  the  country  affords ;  and  owing  to  their  being 
secluded  from  other  horses,  frequent  intercourse  among  them- 


156         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

selves  have  rendered  their  small  and  peculiar  forms  permanent 
in  the  race ;  and  with  unerring  precision,  "  like  begets  like" 

The  permanent  varieties  that  now  exist  among  the  cattle  of 
the  British  Isles,  is  due  to  local  circumstances  and  the  art  of 
man  ;  most  of  the  fine  breeds  now  owned  by  English  husband- 
men, are  named  after  the  location  in  which  they  are  said  to 
originate  ;  these  are  permanent  varieties,  yet  the  most  of  them, 
in  fact  all  except  importations,  are  descendants  of  the  "  Wild, 
or  White,  Forest  breed."  Hence  the  Highland  breed,  dis- 
persed over  the  mountains  of  North  Britain  ;  the  Alderney, 
of  the  Norman  Isles ;  and  the  Devon  from  the  Bristol  Chan- 
nel, etc.,  etc.,  are  all  permanent  varieties,  originally  of  the 
White  Forest  breed. 

Yorkshire  is  celebrated  for  the  production  of  a  permanent 
variety  of  horses  know  as  "  Clevelands  ;  "  they  are  an  ancient 
and  unmixed  race ;  their  bodies  have  peculiar  markings,  and 
if  a  foal  should  be  born  without  them  the  owner  would  give 
orders  for  its  immediate  destruction.  I  presume  it  is  now  un- 
derstood what  is  meant  by  permanent  variety. 

ANIMALS  BECOME  PARENTS  TOO  EARLY. 

Victor  Gilbert  never  allowed  ewes  to  have  lambs  until  they 
had  passed  their  third  year  ;  and  the  bucks  were  never  used 
until  they  had  arrived  at  full  maturity.  lie,  as  well  as  many 
other  sagacious  stock  raisers,  that  I  might  name,  are  probably 
conversant  with  the  fact,  that  during  the  period  of  growth  and 
development,  up  to  maturity,  the  reproductive  organs  are  dor- 
mant, while  at  the  same  time  the  nutritive  function  was  wholly 
engaged  in  elaborating  chyle  and  blood  for  the  development  of 
bone,  muscle,  and  nerve ;  and  that  by  calling  into  requisition 
the  reproductive  or  generative  organs,  before  the  animal  had 
attained  full  growth,  must  necessarily  divert  the  elements  of 
matter  intended  for  nutrition,  from  their  legitimate  channel  and 
direct  them  to  the  reproductive  organs.  This  is  precisely  what 
takes  place.  A  too  early  use  of  the  purely  animal  functions 
induces  weakness  and  stunted  growth. 

The  author  remembers  that  in  his  schoolboy  days,  it  was 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  157 

customary  so  soon  as  a  boy  had  accumulated  a  few  pence,  to  in- 
vest the  same  in  a  rabbit  (a  favorite  animal  at  that  period),  con- 
sequently we  had  a  community  of  juvenile  rabbit  raisers,  and 
from  the  results  of  past  experience,  as  observed  by  the  older 
boys,  a  rule  was  adopted  among  us  that  the  doe  should  not  be 
put  to  the  buck  until  she  had  attained  full  maturity.  The 
reason  assigned  for  this  rule  was,  "  Early  breeding  prevented  the 
doe  from  growing  f*  the  facts  were  evident,  still  we  knew  not 
the  why,  nor  wherefore,  but  acted  on  the  spur  of  experience. 
Physiologists  have  assigned  the  above  as  the  true  cause,  and 
have  in  their  writings  pointed  out  the  woeful  results  which  often 
follow  a  too  early  use  of  the  purely  animal  functions  and  organs. 
I  seriously  urge  farmers  to  give  this  subject  that  attention  which 
it  evidently  demands  ;  by  so  doing  they  will  prevent  many  of  the 
unnecessary  abortions  which  are  almost  constantly  occurring. 

Among  the  higher  orders  of  creation  the  same  law  holds 
good ;  in  fact,  there  can  be  no  deviation  from  it  without  incur- 
ring the  hazard  of  paying  the  penalty. 

Heifers  should  never  be  put  to  the  bull  until  they  have  at- 
tained the  age  of  three  or  four  years  ;  at  this  period  they  are 
in  their  prime.  If  they  happen  to  have  acquired  too  much  fat, 
their  daily  allowance  must  be  reduced. 

Human  growth,  according  to  the  best  authority  ceases  be- 
tween the  ages  of  twenty  and  twenty-five ;  in  very  warm  re- 
gions, however,  where  development  and  decay  are  universally 
allowed  to  be  more  rapid,  the  inhabitants  come  to  maturity 
much  earlier.  A  superior  class  of  human  beings  can  only  be 
produced  by  selections  and  exclusions  similar  to  those  so  suc- 
cessfully employed  in  rearing  the  inferior  orders  ;  we  may  re- 
joice in  a  Fulton,  Franklin,  or  Webster,  occasionally  (by 
mere  accident),  the  parents  of  such  being  absolutely  ignorant 
of  the  first  principles  of  physiology.  But  in  the  breeder's  lan- 
guage, such  are  in  possession  of  the  "prerequisites.^^  In  the 
first  place,  they  had  not  entered  the  marriage  relationship  prior 
to  the  age  of  reason ;  the  parents,  if  we  mistake  not,  were  full 
grown  men  and  women  —  not  boys  nor  girls ;  they  possibly 
possessed  a  sound  mind,  and  healthy  constitution,  free  from 
14 


158         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

hereditary  defect  of  mind  and  body  which,  stunted  growth, 
aided  by  artificial  modes  of  life,  are  almost  sure  to  entail.  Un- 
til within  a  few  years,  a  wise  and  salutary  law  was  in  opera- 
tion in  the  British  Isles,  which  interdicted  marriage  until  the 
candidates  had  arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  ;  that  law  has 
been  set  aside,  and  consequently  the  mass  of  the  population  of 
the  present  day  will  not  bear  comparison  with  that  of  the  past. 

One  safeguard,  therefore,  against  stunted  growth  and  ill- 
health  is  to  avoid  a  too  early  use  of  the  reproductive  func- 
tion. And  herein  we  are  not  safe,  unless  proper  selections  have 
been  made,  and  faulty  animals  or  persons  rejected. 

I  am  persuaded  that  if  husbandmen  of  these  United  States 
could  all  view  this  important  matter  in  its  right  light,  a  very 
decided  improvement  would  soon  be  the  result ;  the  subject 
will,  however,  eventually  command  the  attention  of  all. 

Many  persons  urge  that  the  offspring  of  blood  relatives  are 
weak,  nervous,  deficient  in  intellect,  complete  idiots,  etc.,  etc. ; 
and  that  further  intercourse  in  the  same  direction  only  makes 
bad  worse  ;  these  are  facts  which  cannot  be  controverted,  yet 
the  weakness,  nervousness,  etc.,  does  not  occur  from  the  rela- 
tionship which  exists  between  the  parties,  but  is  the  result  of 
their  defective  constitutions.  Many  of  the  "^ousin  "  marriages 
are  entered  into  without  the  least  regard  to  the  rational  theory 
of  selection  and  rejection  ;  the  question  is  one  of  interest  not  of 
utility.  These  blood  connections  are  consummated  merely  to 
retain  property  in  families,  and  to  satisfy  the  caprices  of  doat- 
ing  parents,  superannuated  uncles,  and  disappointed  maiden 
aunts ;  and  thus  many  an  idiotic,  or  emaciated  sprig  of  aristoc- 
racy, unites  his  destinies  with  a  fashionable  cousin  the  very 
counterpart  of  himself,  both  inheriting  family  defects  of  pre- 
cisely similar  character.  Should  they  be  blessed  (cursed  rather) 
with  offspring,  may  we  not  expect  a  miniature  of  the  originals  ? 
"  Without  due  attention  to  avoiding  disease,  it"  will  increase  in 
the  progeny." 

Among  the  human  species,  therefore,  where  the  objects  are 
of  such  immense  importance  to  present  and  future  generations, 
the  principles  of  Selection  and  rejection  are  entirely  overlooked  ; 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  159 

we  pay  more  attention  to  the  principles  of  breeding  in  cattle 
than  we  do  to  those  applicable  also  to  their  lord  and  master. 
Hence  the  faults  and  defects  alluded  to,  are  not  the  result  of 
close  affinities,  but  result  from  our  indifference,  or  ignorance, 
of  the  laws  of  life. 

OBJECTIONS    TO    IN-AND-IN    BREEDING    ANSWERED. 

The  two  preceding  paragraphs  are  brief  answers  to  the  ob- 
jections against  the  sexual  congress  of  blood-relations  ;  yet  as 
other  evidence  than  my  own,  and  of  a  more  general  character 
may  be  demanded  by  the  reader,  I  have  thought  it  best  to  in- 
troduce other  testimony.  The  following  quotations  are  from 
the  pen  of  P.  S.  Humbrickson,  of  Ohio,  published  as  a  "  prize 
essay : "  — 

"  Many  object  to  what  has  been  termed  in-and-in  breeding. 
Indeed,  with  most  of  those  who  do  so,  their  objections  assume 
the  form  of  a  very  strong  prejudice.  This  is  attributable  to  a 
certain  confusion  in  their  minds,  by  which  reasons,  wherein 
there  is  no  proper  connection,  are  made  with  the  aid  of  imag- 
ination to  assume  a  form  of  mutual  dependence  and  coherence 
in  support  of  their  theory.  In  the  human  family,  marriages 
within  the  Levitical  degree,  or,  as  they  are  also  called,  incestuous 
marriages,  are  forbidden.  But  the  prohibition  rests  exclusively 
upon  rnoraf,  and  not  at  all  upon  natural  or  physical  reasons. 
Yet  the  direct  physical  calamities  are  imagined  to  pursue  the 
infringement  of  that  law.  Now,  it  would  seem,  that  where  the 
moral  reasons  in  favor  of  an  enactment  are  sufficient  not  only 
to  justify,  but  to  demand  it,  no  more  should  be  required.  And 
this  is  in  accordance  with  the  soundest  rules  of  philosophizing. 
Moreover,  if  no  such  moral  reason  existed,  the  authority  of 
the  Lawgiver,  in  the  case  of  the  divine  law,  is  a  sufficient  foun- 
dation and  warrant  for  it ;  and  the  human  law  is  bound  by,  and 
but  follows,  the  divine.  Shall  we  then  take  the  step  beyond,  and 
apply  to  the  inferior  animal  the  rule  that  was  intended  for  ra- 
tional, accountable  man  ?  We  know  that,  if  left  to  his  own 
observation  and  experience,  and  being  himself  the  judge,  the 


160         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

objector  must  avouch  the  fact  that,  in  the  state  of  nature,  there. 
is  no  restraint,  and  that  such  connections  are  and  must  be  cou- 
linnally  taking  place." 

THE    ADVANTAGES  OF   IN-AND-IN   BREEDING. 

"  And,  if  there  are  advantages  arising  from  the  having  placed 
in  the  line  of  the  direct  ancestry,  near  and  remote,  of  our  flocks,  a 
great  number  of  approved  individuals,  both  male  and  female,  as 
has  been  seen,  it  follows  that  there  must  be  far  greater  advantages 
arising  from  the  having  the  same  one  individual  —  if  he  be  of 
marked  superiority  —  placed  in  that  line  the  greatest  possible 
number  of  titnes.  This  is  done  by  "  in-and-in  breeding,"  and  is 
the  object  of  it.  Now  it  is  easier  to  find  this  one  unsurpassed 
individual  than  to  find  many  ;  for,  ip  the  many,  there  will  most 
certainly  be  one  to  be  preferred  to  all  the  rest.  Then,  under 
the  operation  or  the  principle  of  atavism,  the  chances  that  the 
resemblance  of  such  unequalled  ancestor  will  be  obtained,  must 
be  in  the  ratio  of  the  number  of  times  that  he  occurs  in  the 
ascending  lines.  Hence,  greater  uniformity  and  greater  excel- 
lence in  all  the  progeny.  An  apt  illustration  of  this  is  found 
in  the  frequent  occurrence  of  the  Godolphin  Arabian,  in  the 
pedigrees  of  all  our  best  blooded  horses  carried  back  to  him  as 
their  founder." 


PARTURITION. 

-  SIGNS  OF  LABOR  OR  PARTURITION. 

At  the  end  of  270  days  from  the  period  of  a  cow's  impreg- 
nation, some  enlargement  of  the  udder  will  be  perceived,  and 
the  labii  pudendi  (external  parts  of  the  genital  organs),  are 
relaxed,  and  appear  tumefied,  and  a  sort  of  glistening  discharge 
issues  from  the  same.  The  animal  is  also  restless,  and  appears 
desirous  of  avoiding  the  society  of  other  cows  ;  her  respirations 
are  somewhat  quickened ;  she  becomes  nervous  and  irritable, 
and.  labor  pains  set  in,  occurring  at  stated  periods,  until  at  last 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  161 

the  neck  of  the  uterus  dilates,  the  foetal  inembraRes  present 
themselves  in  the  form  of  a  watery  tumor,  and  the  parts  ad- 
mit of  the  delivery  of  the  foetus. 

NATURAL  LABOR. 

Natural  labor  consists  of  the  presentation  of  the  placental 
membranes,  enclosed  fluid,  with  the  head  and  two  fore  feet  of 
the  foetus.  In  the  act  of  natural  expulsion  the  membranes 
become  ruptured,  and  the  liquor  amnii  (water)  escapes. 
This  lubricates  the  parts,  and  greatly  facilitates  the  birth  of  the 
foetus.  After  delivery  a  few  after  pains  occur,  by  which  means 
the  placenta  or  after-birth  is  expelled ;  this  completes  the  pain- 
ful routine  of  natural  labor. 

UNNATURAL  LABOR. 

A  cow  failing  to  give  birth  after  the  fashion  described  in  the 
preceding  article,  and  being  in  a  state  of  parturition,  having 
regular  uterine  pains,  increasing  in  severity  as  they  successively 
occur,  yet  no  appearance  of  the  foetus,  is  probably  the  subject 
of  false  presentation.  The  character  of  this  presentation  must 
be  ascertained,  and  our  efforts  then  directed  to  the  replacement 
of  the  part  to  its  natural  position. 

The  person  who  intends  to  render  assistance  to  the  parturient 
cow,  should  be  clad  in  suitable  garments ;  his  arms  must  'be 
bared  to  the  shoulders,  and  in  view  of  guarding  against  the 
absorption  of  morbid  virus,  the  person's  arms  should  be  lubri- 
cated with  glycerine  or  olive  oil. 

The  instruments  required  are  :  embryotomy  knife,  embryot- 
:»my  hooks,  and  slip-nooses.     (See  cut  of  instruments). 

FORE  LEGS  PRESENTING. 

The  most  common  false  presentation  is  that  when  the  two 
fore  legs  are  advanced  into  the  vagina,  sometimes  beyond  it, 
and  the  head  turned  upon  the  foetal  body.  This  is  occasioned 
by  the  muzzle  having  caught  at  the  brim  of  the  pelvis.  The 
delivery  cannot  be  effected  until  the  position  is  changed,  with- 
14* 


102         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

out  danger  to  the  mother,  and  certain  destruction  to  the  calf. 
The  best  plan  is  to  attach  a  cord,  or  the  slip-nooses,  to  each 
fore  leg,  ^vhich  are  then  to  be  forced  back  into  the  uterus  ;  the 
head  must  then  be  sought  for  and  constant  pressure  exerted  on 
the  same  until  it  is  sent  forward  far  enough  to  enable  the  op- 
erator to  release  it  from  the  brim  of  the  pelvis,  and  guide  it 
into  the  vaginal  outlet ;  a  noose  may  then  be  slipped  over  the 
lower  jaw,  then  traction  on  it,  and  those  of  the  fore  legs  will 
accomplish  the  delivery. 

If  the  calf  is  dead  I  should  use  the  embryotomy  hook  in 
preference  to  the  noose,  but  in  view  of  saving  the  calf  the  lat- 
ter is  the  safest ;  some  care,  however,  is  necessary  in  drawing 
out  the  fore  feet,  lest  the  points  of  the  hoofs  lacerate  the  vagina. 

While  the  assistants  are  drawing  steadily  on  the  cords,  the 
operator  should  give  them  a  lateral  action,  from  side  to  side, 
and  upwards  and  downwards ;  this  is  far  better  than  pulling 
persistently  in  one  direction,  for  it  tends  to  loosen  and  alter  the 
position  of  impacted  parts. 

ONE  FORE  LEG  PRESENTING. 

This  is  also  a  common  occurrence,  and  if  seen  early,  the 
delivery  may  be  safely  effected  by  attaching  the  noose  to  the 
protruded  leg,  this  is  to  be  pushed  back,  the  other  sought  for 
and  secured  in  the  sanae  manner,  and  again  to  be  returned  ; 
the  head  must  then  be  properly  placed,  the  legs  drawn  out- 
wards, and  the  delivery  may  be  accomplished  with  every  pros- 
pect of  bringing  forth  a  live  calf. 

HEAD  PRESENTING  WITHOUT  THE  LEGS. 

Tn  a  case  of  this  character,  it  is  evident  that  the  legs  are 
doubled  up  within  the  vagina  and  uterus ;  and  unless  attended 
to  early,  the  calf  will  be  dead ;  therefore,  in  order  to  save  time 
and  trouble,  I  should  decapitate  the  calf,  which  is  done  as  fol- 
lows :  Make  a  circular  incision  around  the  neck  through  the 
integuments,  then  cut  down  in  a  region  between  the  first  and 
second   cervical  vertabrae  and  sever  the  capsular    ligaments 


THL    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  163 

and  spinal  marrow ;  a  person  not  expert  in  these  matters  will 
probably  succeed  better  in  detaching  the  head  at  this  point 
than  at  the  base  of  the  cranium.  Before  the  neck  is  returned, 
the  embryotomy  hooks  should  be  inserted  into  it,  and  the  blades 
secured  by  tying  the  cord  which  passes  through  them.  Hav- 
ing pushed  back  the  neck,  I  run  my  hand  along  one  limb  at 
a  time,  and  find  the  hoofs,  these  are  brought  forward  and 
noosed ;  traction  now  being  made  on  the  three  cords,  the  de- 
livery is  secured. 

Supposing  the  calf  to  be  alive,  I  proceed  as  follows :  A 
noose  is  affixed  to  the  lower  jaw,  the  head  is  then  pushed  back 
as  far  as  it  can  be  got ;  the  fore  legs  are  then  to  be  brought  into 
position  as  above  described,  after  which,  the  calf  is  readily 
brought  away  ;  some  difficulty  may  be  experienced  in  extract- 
ing the  hind  parts  ;  if  they  require  much  force  in  extraction, 
the  probabilities  are  that  the  pelvis  of  the  foetus  is  impacted 
in  that  of  the  cow ;  the  long  diameter  of  the  pelvis  is  cross- 
wise of  the  body,  so  that  if  the  calf  be  in  a  position  that  op- 
poses its  long  pelvic  diameter  to  the  short  one  of  the  mother, 
it  must  be  pushed  back  a  few  inches,  and  turned,  so  that  its 
feet  shall  be  downwards,  in  a  line  with  the  cow's  limbs. 

It  is  very  important  that  the  calf  should  be  in  the  right  po- 
sition as  regards  the  diameter  of  the  pelvis,  for  many  valuable 
cows  are  ruined  by  the  violent  means  used  in  the  extraction  of 
the  hind  parts  when  in  a  faulty  position ;  a  little  tact  in  secur- 
ing a  right  position  for  the  exit  of  the  calf,  would  save  a  vast 
amount  of  unnecessary  and  cruel  traction,  which  in  our  rural 
districts,  where  veterinary  surgeons  are  not  to  be  found,  is  too 
often  employed. 

EXTRACTION  OF  A  CALF  ON  ITS  BACK,  HIND   LEGS 
PRESENTING. 

Some  persons  have  an  idea  that  when  a  wrong  presentation 
of  this  kind  takes  place,  the  calf  may  be  turned  ;  this  is  an 
impossibility,  and  it  is  only  a  waste  of  time,  and  a  feat  of  igno- 
rance to  even  attempt  it.  The  calf  must  be  extracted  in  the 
manner  of  presentation ;  the  traction,  however,  should  be  made 


164         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

in  a  direction  towards  the  bones  of  the  coccygis,  or  tail.  In 
the  early  stages  of  this  kind  of  parturition,  the  back  rests  on 
the  belly  of  the  mother,  and  the  feet  come  in  contact  with  her 
spine  ;  if  ray  services  were  sought  at  this  early  period,  I  should 
endeavor  to  bring  the  feet  down^  one  at  a  time,  and  noose 
them,  and  proceed  to  deliver  without  making  any  futile  at- 
tempts to  change  the  position  of  the  calf 

In  a  case  of  this  character  which  occurred  in  my  practice  a 
short  time  ago,  I  found  it  impossible  (the  cow  being  down)  to 
dislodge  the  feet  from  the  spinal  region  ;  I  therefore  procured 
a  double  and  single  block  tackle,  and  fastened  it  to  a  beam 
which  ran  across  the  barn ;  the  hind  extremities  were  then  at- 
tached to  the  single  block  by  means  of  straps,  and  in  this  way, 
the  posterior  parts  were  elevated ;  the  consequence  was,  that 
the  whole  foetal  aparatus  receded  into  the  abdominal  cavity, 
the  feet  were  dislodged  from  the  spine,  and  I  had  the  satisfac- 
tion of  delivering  the  animal  of  a  live  calf. 

The  following  case  is  related  by  Surgeon  Cartwright,  in  the 
Veterinarian :  — 

*'  On  the  30th  of  April,  1850,  Mr. came   for  me    to 

see  a  cow,  four  years  old,  that  could  not  calve.  As  in  a  for- 
mer instance,  another  celebrated  man  at  such  work  had  been 
in  attendance  on  her,  but  from  the  state  of  the  os  uteri,  he  was 
fairly  frightened  from  making  an  attempt  to  remove  it ;  as,  he 
said,  ' an  operation' must  be  performed  on  it.  I  found  her 
well  off  at  the  hips,  and  about  the  vulva,  well  relaxed.  On 
introducing  my  hand  into  the  vagina,  I  ascertained  that  the 
OS  uteri  was  dilated  to  about  five  inches  in  diameter,  in  an  ap- 
parent rigid  state.  On  passing  my  hand  through  the  os  uteri, 
I  found  that  the  calf  lay  on  its  back.  The  hind  feet  could  be 
felt,  but  they  were  doubled  up  at  the  fetlocks,  and  pressed 
against  the  rectum  and  inside  of  the  upper  portion  of  the  os 
uteri.  In  consequence  of  the  calf  lying  on  its  back,  and  its 
feet  being  doubled  up,  the  latter  was  not  forced  into  the  os  uteri ; 
from  which  cause  the  os  uteri  could  not  be  dilated  for  the  cow 
to  calve.  I  immediately  got  one  of  the  legs  straight,  and 
brought  it  forward  into  the  vagina  and  passed  a  cord  around  it, 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  165 

and  then  served  the  other  the  same ;  afterwards  we  used  gradual 
traction  to  the  feet  until  the  os  uteri  was  fully  dilated,  and  in 
the  course  of  an  hour,  we  removed  a  live  calf,  which,  together 
with  the  cow,  did  well.  I  fear  such  cases  as  these  may  in- 
duce persons  to  divide  the  os  uteri,  thinking  it  in  a  scirrhous 
state. 

"  In  a  fortnight  after,  this  person  had  an  exactly  similiar 
case ;  but  from  using  gross  force,  they  burst  open  the  pelvis 
somewhere,  and  the  consequence  was,  the  cow  was  obliged  to 
be  destroyed." 

BREECH  PRESENTATION. 

A  presentation  of  this  kind  is  generally  attended  with 
difficulty  and  danger,  the  difficulties  depend  however,  some- 
what on  the  length  of  time  which  has  elapsed  since  the  com- 
mencment  of  the  labor;  if  it  be  recent,  there  is  some  hope  for  both 
mother  and  calf,  but  in  a  protracted  case  there  is  little  hope 
for  the  mother,  and  one  reason  is,  the  vagina  or  uterus  is  often 
injured  or  ruptured  by  the  struggles  of  the  foetus  in  trying  to 
free  itself  from  its  uncomfortable  position.  Then  again,  the 
uterus  has  contracted  upon  the  foetus  so  as  almost  to  imprison 
it,  at  least  forcing  and  impacting  it  within  the  cavity  of  the 
pelvis,  so  that  the  little  animal  is  almost  immovable.  Let 
a  person  unacquainted  with  bovine  midwifery  introduce  his 
hand  and  arm  in  a  case  of  this  character,  and  he  will  be 
astonished  at  the  amount  of  force  it  will  require  to  thread  his 
hand  between  the  foetus  and  pelvis,  and  after  accomplishing  his 
object,  the  hand  and  arm  become  so  benumbed,  by  the  pressure, 
that  he  cannot  accomplish  much  if  any  thing  until  he  can  suc- 
ceed in  forcing  the  foetus  forward ;  which  in  some  cases,  when 
uterine  action  is  strong,  cannot  be  effected  without  elevating 
tlie  posterior  parts  of  the  cow  by  means  ♦f  a  hoisting  tackle. 
It  requires  a  person  with  a  long  arm  to  be  of  much  service  in 
a  case  of  this  kind,  for  the  limbs  are  extended  a  long  distance 
into  the  abdomen.  A  breach  presentation  is  very  readily 
detected  by  the  presence  of  the  calf's  tail  which  occasionally 
hangs  out  of  the  vagina. 


166         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

The  mode  of  extracting  the  foitus  when  the  breach  presents 
is  as  follows  :  Pressure  must  be  made  upon  the  buttocks  of 
calf  in  the  interim  of  labor  pains ;  having  succeeded  in  pushing 
the  calf  forwards  the  hocks  may  possibly  be  reached,  afterwards 
the  feet ;  these  are  to  be  brought  into  the  vaginal  passage  ;  then 
by  traction,  and  altering  the  position  of  the  calf  if  necessary, 
the  delivery  is  completed. 

Should  it  be  found  impossible  to  push  the  foetus  forwards, 
I  should  los^no  time  in  raising  the  hind  quarters  of  the  cow  by 
means  of  hoisting  apparatus  which  most  farmers  have  on  hand. 
In  order  to  avoid  hurting  or  injuring  the  cow's  limbs,  when  hoist- 
ing the  hind  parts  from  the  ground,  I  encircle  the  legs  just 
above  the  fetlock,  with  some  old  gunny  bag  or  something  of 
the  sort,  then  affix  a  strap  to  each  leg  into  which  the  tackle  must 
be  hooked;  the  cow  is,  of  course,  raised  from  the  floor  belly 
upwards. 

CLEANSING,  OR  REMOVAL  OF  THE  AFTER-BIRTH. 

After  the  delivery,  the  after-hirth  should  be  detached,  if 
possible,  for  if  it  be  allowed  to  occupy  the  uterus,  the  latter  con- 
tracts upon  it,  and  there  it  may  remain  for  a  week  or  more, 
and  at  last  come  away  a  mass  of  putridity,  not  however,  before 
the  cow  has  suffered  some  derangement  of  health. 

So  soon  as  the  calf  is  born  I  introduce  may  hand,  and  pull  in 
various  directions  on  the  umbilical  cord,  failing  to  bring  the 
placenta  away,  I  introduce  my  whole  arm  and  carefully 
detach  the  now  foreign  body,  from  the  cotyledons  of  the  uterus. 
The  uterus  shortly  afterwards  contracts,  and  thus  effectually 
prevents  uterine  hemorrhage. 

It  has  been  my  universal  custom  of  late  to  remove  the  pla- 
centa immediately  after  the  birth  of  the  calf,  and  1  do  so 
because  I  consider  it  unwise  to  allow  it  to  remain,  for  the  labor 
is  not  then  completed.  No  practitioner  of  midwifery  in  human 
medicine  would  ever  deem  it  proper  to  leave  his  patient  until 
the  "  after-birth  "  was  removed,  for  it  would  most  undoubtedly 
endanger  the  mother's  life  if  it  were  left  to  rot  away,  as  is  too 
often  the  case  Avith  the  poor,  uncomplaining  cow. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  167 

In  the  removal  of  the  placenta,  I  am  careful  not  to  pull 
too  hard  on  the  umbilical  cord,  lest  inversion  of  the  uterus 
ensue ;  a  little  tact  and  patience,  will  often  acomplish  wonders. 
The  placenta  may  be  detached  from  the  cotyledons  and  yet  it 
cannot  be  drawn  away,  the  probability  is  that  some  irregular 
contraction  of  the  uterus  retains  it,  now  we  must  exercise  a 
little  patience,  and  then  inti;pduce  the  arm  and  feel  for  the  seat 
of  contraction,  this  can  probably  be  dilated  by  the  fingers,  then 
the  placenta  can  easily  be  removed. 

In  cases  of  protracted  labor,  when  the  cow  is  much  exhausted, 
the  placenta  may  remain  in  the  uncontracted  uterus  for  want 
of  muscular  power  in  the  same  to  expel  it.  In  such  a  case 
I  should  give  the  cow  about  a  quart  of  ginger  tea  and  if 
any  tympany  of  the  intestines  exist,  I  should  add  a  small 
quantity  of  carbonate  of  soda. 

The  absurd  practice  of  attaching  a  weight  to  the  membranes 
or  rolling  them  on  a  stick  as  heretofore  recommended,  is  not  in 
accordance  with  my  views  of  an  enlightened  system  of  practice. 
To  say  the  least,  it  is  unscientific,  and  presents  an  unsightly 
appearance ;  the  odor  which  arises  from  the  putrid  mass  in  the 
course  of  a  few  days  is  enough  to  sicken  a  dog,  and  no  doubt  it 
does  sicken  pregnant  cows,  and  may  induce  abortion.  The 
membranes  must  be  removed. 

The  abominable  practice  of  allowing  the  cow  to  devour  the 
after-birth  is  much  to  be  deplored.  I  know  the  custom  has  the 
sanction  of  long  usage,  but  that  in  my  opinion,  is  no  argument 
in  its  favor,  the  cow  is  not  a  cannibal  nor  a  camiverous  animal, 
yet  for  the  sake  of  getting  rid  of  an  unsightly  and  filthy  mass 
of  carrion  which  ought  to  have  been  removed  from  her  sight, 
she  is  tempted,  and  finally,  does  devour  it ;  she  may  however, 
sometimes  be  led  to  devour  the  placenta  and  foetal  membranes 
through  the  promptings  of  a  morbid  appetjte.  The  best  and 
safest  way  to  dispose  of  the  after-birth  is  to  hum  it,  for  the 
odor  arising  from  it  under  the  process  of  decomposition,  has  a 
bad  effect  on  pregnant  cows  of  a  highly  imaginative  and  nervous 
temperament,  and  the  odoriferous  morbid  germ  is  more  active 
in  warm  than  cold  weather. 


168         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

BACK  OF  THE  CALF  PRESENTING  AT  THE  BRIM  OF 
THE  PELVIS. 

This  unfortunate  presentation  is  one  of  rare  occurrence,  I 
never  saw  but  one  case,  and  that  I  now  propose  to  introduce 
for  the  instruction  of  my  readers.  I  was  called  a  short  time 
ago  to  visit  a  cow  the  property  of  Mr.  R.,  of  Winchester;  the 
animal  had  been  in  labor,  with  strong  parturient  pains,  for 
twelve  hours,  in  the  mean  time  several  persons  had  tried  their 
skill  on  the  poor  brute  without  doing  the  least  good.  At  the 
time  of  my  visit,  she  was  in  a  deplorable  condition,  her  ears, 
horns,  and  extremities,  were  icy  cold;  she  was  delirious, 
throwing  her  head  about  in  a  reckless  manner,  as  if  in  convul- 
sions ;  the  vaginal  lips  were  very  much  tumefied,  their  lining 
membrane  highly  inflamed. 

I  immediately  gave  her  a  good  drench  of  stimulating  medi- 
cine, which  appeared  to  have  a  good  effect  in  restoring  warmth 
on  the  external  surface,  and  in  the  extremities.  On  making 
an  examination  I  discovered  that  the  back  or  spinal  column  of 
the  foetus,  was  firmly  impacted  within  the  brim  of  the  pelvis, 
consequently  every  uterine  effort  to  expel  the  same  was  only 
making  matters  worse.  I  employed  all  the  usual  means  to 
change  the  position  of  the  calf  to  no  purpose ;  finally  I  pro- 
posed an  operation,  to  which  the  owner  consented.  I  now 
etherized  the  cow,  turned  her  on  her  left  side,  and  made  an 
incision  through  the  right  flank,  beginning  at  a  point  two  inches 
beneath  the  transverse  processes  of  the  lumbar  vertebrae,  mid- 
distance  of  the  last  rib  and  anterior  spine  of  the  pelvis ;  the 
length  of  the  incision  was  about  ten  inches.  I  then  divided  the 
muscles  in  this  region  known  as  the  transversalis,  external,  and 
internal  oblique  ;  having  thus  exposed  the  peritoneum,  I  punc- 
tured it,  and  by  means  of  a  probe-pointed  bistoury  dilated  it 
to  the  extent  of  the  external  incision.  I  then  made  an  incision 
through  the  uterus,  disembowelled  the  calf  so  as  to  reduce  its 
bulk,  and  finally  removed  the  heart  and  lungs  ;  yet  I  could  not 
extract  the  carcase  (which  was  of  extraordinary  size).  I 
therefore  made  a  section  of  the  spinal  column,  and  removed  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.     *  169 

foetus  in  halves,  then  took  away  the  placenta  and^removed  all 
fluids  by  means  of  a  sponge.  The  incision  was  properly  su- 
tured, and  after  a  short  period  the  cow  got  up  and  partook  of  a 
bran  mash.  Twenty-four  hours  after  the  operation,  the  cow 
died ;  -this  probably  occurred  from  the  exhausted  condition  of 
the  animal  at  the  period  of  operating.  When  nothing  except  an 
operation  of  this  kind  can  save  the  mother,  I  recommend  that 
it  be  performed  early,  so  that  there  shall  be  vit^ity  enough  in 
the  system  to  bear  up  against  it. 

UTERINE  HEMORRHAGE. 

Uterine  hemorrhage  is  known  in  common  parlance  as  fioad- 
ingfrom  the  womb ;  occasionally  it  does  occur  as  a  sequel  of 
forcible  extraction  of  the  calf,  followed  by  an  unwarrantable 
harshness  in  extracting  the  placenta  and  its  membranes  from 
the  uterine  cotylodens. 

The  best  plan  of  arresting  this  kind  of  hemorrhage  is  to 
drench  the  cow  with  two  ounces  of  tincture  of  matico,  and  then 
encircle  the  body  in  the  region  of  the  small  of  the  back  with  a 
cold  water  bandage ;  the  object  in  a  case  of  this  kind  is  to 
induce  contraction  of  the  uterus,  for  when  once  contracted  the 
flooding  will  soon  cease. 

BIRTH  OF  TWINS. 

There  are  many  cases  on  record  of  cows  giving  birth  to 
twins,  and  even  triplets,  without  manual  assistance,  yet  occa- 
sionally in  consequence  of  two  presenting  in  the  passage  at 
once,  some  assistance  is  needed. 

When  called  to  a  case  of  this  character  the  object  should  be 
to  ascertain  if  the  parts  presenting  belong  to  one  or  two  calves  ; 
if  the  latter  be  the  case,  one  must  be  pushed  back,  and  the  other 
advanced,  for  they  cannot  both  be  born  at  once,  without  peril- 
ling the  life  of  the  mother. 

TRIPLETS. 

Three  years  ago  I  visited  Keene,  N.  H.,  on  the  occasion  of 
the  State  Fair,  and  saw  a  cow  of  native  breed,  the  property  of 
15 


170         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Mr.  Aldrich.  I  learned  that  at  two  previous  births  she  had 
brouglit  forth  twins,  and  now  was  the  mother  of  three  at  one 
birth  ;  thevSe  were  milk-white,  and  a  perfect  counterpart  of  each 
other. 

I  understood  Mr.  Aldrich  to  say  that  the  cow  had  never  been 
bred  to  the  same  bull,  so  that  the  plural  and  triple  births  were 
the  result  of  a  peculiarity  of  constitution  on  the  part  of  the 
cow.  This  remarkable  peculiarity  seems  to  favor  the  hypoth- 
esis of  Pythagoras  and  Aristotle,  who  maintained  that  the 
female  parent  affords  all  the  materials  necessary  for  the  forma- 
tion of  the  offtjpring,  the  office  of  the  male  being  merely  to 
awaken  the  dormant  formative  powers  residing  in  the  female 
ovaducts.  The  "  ovists  "  farther  assume,  that  the  foetal  germs 
already  exist,  with  all  their  organs  in  some  part  of  the  female 
organs  of  generation,  and  that  the  action  of  the  male  is  merely 
that  of  exciting  and  endowing  the  foetus  with  vitality.  These 
theories,  however,  appear  irreconcilable  with  the  phenomena 
of  the  offspring  inheriting  the  faults  and  defects  of  the  male. 

The  cow  alluded  to  never  required  any  assistance  in  labor; 
this  may  be  accounted  for  from  the  fact  that  the  mother  had  a 
large  pelvis,  and  her  offspring  at  the  time  of  birth  were  all 
small. 

But  here  are  two  other  remarkable  cases. 

"  The  subject  of  this  notice  had  been  delivered  of  her  first 
calf  in  January,  1857,  when  two  years  old,  a  fine  heifer  of  the 
Brittany  breed,  and  of  medium  size. 

"  Soon  after  she  was  served  (only  once)  by  a  bull  of  the 
district,  and  became  impregnated.  During  gestation  the  animal 
was  healthy,  walked  easily,  and  her  belly  presented  no  uncom- 
mon appearance  as  regards  size. 

"  On  December  26,  her  term  of  gestation  having  closed  with 
little  pain  or  expulsive  efforts,  she  gave  birth,  in  a  very  few 
minutes,  to  two  calves  (male  and  female,)  the  first  being  in  the 
normal  position  ;  the  last  having  the  posterior  limbs  presented 
first.  At  the  same  time  the  foetal  envelopes  of  the  calves  came 
away. 

"  During  delivery  the  cow  showed  no  suffering,  and  would 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  171 

eat  and  drink  as  usual.  Shortly  after,  the  attendants  perceived, 
between  the  lips  of  the  vulva,  two  white  soft  tumors,  which  they 
took  for  inverted  uterus,  and  at  once  hastened  for  the  cow 
doctor.  Meanwhile,  a  neighbor  thinking  he  recognized  in 
them  the  water  bags,  pricked  them,  and  on  the  escape  of  the 
water  another  calf  was  seen,  with  a  natural  presentation,  which 
was  soon  delivered  by  the  efforts  of  the  mother.  This  was 
immediately  followed  by  a  fourth,  which  was  also  easily  ex- 
pelled. These  two  last,  the  first  a  female,  the  last  a  male,  died 
in  a  few  seconds ;  though  doubtless,  had  the  liquor  amnii  been 
at  once  evacuated,  both  might  have  survived,  as  they  were 
even  stronger  than-  the  two  first.  They  were  very  fat,  and 
weighed,  when  given  to  the  butcher,  25  killogrammes  each. 
•  "  The  cow  which  has  shown  such  remarkable  fecundity  (five 
calves  in  one  year)  has  all  along  preserved  the  most  perfect 
health."  —  Translations  by  Mr.  Gamgee. 

Remarhahle  Fecundation  in  a  Cow.  —  Mr.  M.  B.  Forbes 
sent  the  London  (Eng.)  Veterinarian  the  following  partic- 
ulars relating  to  the  birth  of  five  calves  at  one  time  :  "  A 
cow  of  the  short-horned  breed,  six  years  old,  the  property  of 
Mr.  Richard  Knight,  farmer,  Santon,  about  a  mile  from  Rye- 
gate,  was  safely  delivered  on  Monday  morning,  the  21st  of 
February,  three  weeks  before  her  time,  of  five  calves  —  four 
bulls  and  one  cow.  Three  of  the  calves  died  a  few  hours  after 
birth,  but  the  fourth  survived  until  Tuesday,  and  the  fifth  until 
the  following  day,  Wednesday."  Mr.  Forbes  saw  the  cow  on 
the  23d,  and  found  her  going  on  well.  It  was  her  third 
calvinir. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS. 

CONSTRICTION  AT  THE  NECK  OF  THE  UTERUS. 

Owing  to  some  abnormal  condition  of  the  neck  of  the  uterus, 
it  is  occasionslly  the  seat  of  constriction  ;  the  difficulty  can 
only  be  determined  by  introducing  the  hand  into  the  vagina, 


172         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

then  by  bringing  the  fingers  in  contact  with  the  mouth  of  tl 
womb,  it  is  found  in  an  undilated,  and  indurated  or  hardened 
state.  Should  the  labor  pains  be  quite  strong,  and  no  signs  of 
relaxation  appearing,  I  should  then  introduce  a  probe-pointed 
bistoury,  or  the  embryotomy  knife  into  the  neck  of  the  uterus, 
and  dilate  the  stricture,  by  making  incisions,  into  the  inner 
border  of  the  strictured  or  hardened  mass ;  this  will  allow  of 
some  slight  dilitation,  large  enough  for  a  bladder  of  foetal  mem- 
brane to  gain  enterance  ;  after  this  takes  place  the  labor  will 
gradually  progress  and  if  every  thing  goes  right,  as  the  saying 
is,  a  live  calf  may  soon  be  expected  to  make  its  appearance, 
and  the  cow  may  also   be  expected  to  survive  the  operation. 

EMBRYOTOMY.  ^ 

This  operation  known  among  medical  men  as  embryotomy, 
signifies  dismemberment  of  the  calf  within  the  vagina  and 
uterus.  I  presume  no  man  except  he  be  acquainted  with  the 
anatomy  of  the  parts,  would  dare  to  attempt  the  dismember- 
ment and  disembowelment  of  a  foetus.  It  is  an  operation, 
however,  which  has  to  be  performed  very  often,  and  it  has 
saved  the  lives  of  very  many  valuable  cows,  therefore  I  shall 
try  to  "  post "  the  reader  on  the  subject.  The  instrument  used 
for  this  purpose  is  called  an  embryotomy  knife  (see  cut  of 
instruments),  and  is  introduced  into  the  uterine  cavity,  concealed 
in  the  hand  so  that  its  cutting  edge  shall  not  injure  the  genital 
organs  of  the  cow. 

Mode  of  operation. — Having  introduced  the  knife  within  the 
uterine  cavity,  I  run  my  hand  along  the  foetal  limb  to  the  top 
of  the  shoulder,  if  possible,  and  there  turn  the  knife  and  send 
its  beak  point  through  the  integument,  and  slit  the  same  to  the 
region  of  the  knee ;  here  I  make  a  circular  incision  of  the 
integument  around  the  knee ;  a  slip-noose  is  affixed  to  the  fet- 
lock and  while  an  assistant  is  making  steady  traction  on  the 
same,  I  loosen  the  integmuent  from  the  limb,  then  by  a  little 
dexterity  in  the  use  of  the  knife  at  the  top  of  the  shoulder,  and 
elsewhere,  the  whole  leg  is  drawn  away.  After  amputating  the 
shoulder,  I  make  an  incision  through  the  cartilages  of  the  ribs. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  173 

this  exposes  the  whole  of  the  thoracic  viscera,  which  I  remove. 
If  the  bulk  of  the  calf  appears  to  be  sufficiently  reduced  to 
insure  its  extraction,  I  affix  a  noose  to  the  remaining  fore  leg 
and  by  traction  remove  the  carcase  ;  the  only  difficulty  in  the 
way  of  a  prompt  extraction  occurs,  ofttimes,  in  consequence  of 
the  foetal  head  being  bent  round  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
chest ;  but  under  ordinary  circumstances  the  calf  can  be 
extracted  without  proceeding  to  disembowel  it,  or  decapitate  it. 
If  however,  either  of  the  latter  operations,  will  facilitate  the 
birth  of  the  calf  I  should  certainly  perform  one  or  the  other 
or  both. 

Having  extracted  the  whole  of  the  foetus,  I  next  remove  the 
placenta  and  membranes,  and  then  drench  the  cow  with  fluid 
extract  of  ginger,  half  an  ounce  ;  tincture  of  matico,  one  ounce; 
warm  water,  one  quart ;  this  will  improve  the  condition  of  the 
prostrate  animal  and  insure  contraction  of  the  uterus. 

The  uterine  expulsive  power,  so  favorable  to  the  liberation 
of  the  calf,  if  dormant,  can  readily  be  aroused  by  administering 
a  stimulating  drench. 

TREATMENT  OF  COWS  DURING  PREGNANCY. 

The  cow  is  the  only  animal  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  that 
yields  milk  regularly,  during  the  trying  and  prostrating  proba- 
tion of  pregnancy  ;  she  has  not  only  to  yield  milk  for  the  profit 
of  her  owner,  but  she  must  also  furnish  an  identical  preparation 
for  the  nourishment  of  the  foetus  in  utero.  Then  again,  the 
integrity  of  her  own  system  requires  that  her  digestive  organs 
shall  furnish  enough  of  chyme  and  chyle  for  the  manufacture 
of  good  rich  blood,  to  repair  incidental  and  extraordinary  wear 
and  tear  of  her  system;  therefore  she  should  be  well  fed,  and 
cared  for ;  any  stinting  or  miserly  economy  in  the  feeding  of 
pregnant  cows  is  very  poor  policy,  and  is  a  sort  of  starvation 
procedure,  which  can  never  be  expected  to  pay. 

It  is  impossible  for  the  cow  to  discharge  these  treUe  duties 

unless  she  be  generpusly  fed  on  nutrimental  agents,  containing 

the  necessary  equivalents.     I  am  aware  that  most  cows  are  too 

well  fed  (see  article  on  "  feeding  "  ),  hence  milk  fever  and  other 

15* 


174         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

inflammatory  affections ;  yet  the  food  given  to  some  cows  in 
this  region,  such  as  swill,  brewer's  grains,  cornstalks,  coarse 
damaged  hay,  etc.,  is  not  suitable  for  pregnant  cows;  they 
should  have  a  mess  of  roots  occasionally,  and  about  a  quart  ot 
meal  aight  and  morning,  which  may  be  stirred  in  a  bucket  of 
water,  to  which  add  a  teaspoonful  of  salt ;  a  reasonable  quantity 
of  good  sweet  hay  should  be  allowed  daily  ;  this  will  not  only 
keep  the  stomach  distended  to  a  healthy  capacity,  but  will  also 
furnish  matter  for  remastication,  by  which  process  a  large 
amount  of  saliva  is  secreted,  and  passes  into  the  stomach, 
where  it  operates  on  the  food  therein  contained,  as  a  powerful 
digestor. 

A  pregnant  cow  should  never  be  confined  to  the  cow-house, 
for  want  of  proper  exercise  induces  plethora,  and  a  plethoric 
condition  of  the  system  retards  the  development  of  the  foetus ; 
hence  the  cow  is  very  apt  to  go  over  her  time. 

The  pregnant  animal  needs,  and  must  have,  exercise  ;  it  aids 
in  the  circulation  of  blood  through  her  system ;  it  brings  the  blood 
oftener  in  contact  with  aeriating  surfaces,  and  thus  invigorates 
it ;  in  short,  the  whole  animal  economy  is  benefited  by  exercise 
in  the  open  air. 

If  the  season  of  the  year  admits,  the  cow  should  be  sent  to 
pasture ;  here  under  the  advantages  arising  from  pure  air,  nat- 
ural food,  etc.,  she  will  get  in  fine  condition,  so  that  when  the 
period  of  calving  arrives,  she  will  be  sti^ng  and  vigorous,  and 
can  bring  forth  a  healthy  calf. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  the  petted,  stall-fed 
cow,  is  not  a  safe  subject  to  leave  in  the  pasture  at  night ;  the 
cold,  damp,  ground  and  air,  are  apt  to  derange  her  health,  there- 
fore she  should  be  housed  at  night  and  on  stormy  days. 

As  regards  milking  the  animal  during  pregnancy,  it  must  de- 
pend on  circumstances  ;  a  cow  in  good  condition  may  be  milked 
longer  than  a  poor  one,  and  the  poor,  overmilked  animal,  must 
"go  dry,"  as  the  saying  is,  for  a  couple  of  months  prior  to 
calving. 

Should  a  pregnant  animal  yield  milk  up  to  within  a  fortnight 
of  calving,  she  should  have  a  few  bran  mashes,  and  the  daily 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  175 

quantity  of  food  and  drink  must  be  diminished.  She  should 
also  have  free  access  to  salt,  and  occasionally  a  tablespoonful 
or  so  of  phosphate  of  lime  may  be  sprinkled  over  her  fodder. 

SYMPTOMS  OF  PREGNANCY. 

A  cow  in  healthy  condition  will  be  in  heat  (a  state  of  men- 
struation), about  once  a  month,  this  lasts  for  a  period  of  four 
days  more  or  less. 

About  three  or  four  months  after  conception  has  taken  place, 
the  belly  is  enlarged,  and  on  making  pressure  on  the  right 
flank  the  motions  of  a  live  foetus  can  be  distinctly  felt.  Preg- 
nancy may  be  determined  earlier  than  this  by  auscultation  (the 
art  of  diagnosis  by  listening  to  the  sounds  of  the  heart),  the 
beating  of  the  foetal  heart  can  be  distinctly  heard ;  the  ear 
should  be  applied  to  the  right  flank. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  WOMB. 

This  affection  generally  prevails  among  aged  cows  in  the 
latter  period  of  pregnancy ;  the  causes  of  it  are,  perhaps,  ob- 
scure ;  yet  it  may  be  attributable,  like  other  dropsies,  to  a  de- 
bilitated condition  of  the  system,  and  an  impoverished  state  of 
the  blood. 

The  symptoms  noticed  in  this  affection  ai*e  as  follows.  An 
unhealthy  and  debilitated  state  of  the  animal ;  visible  mem- 
branes, pale  and  watery  ;  a  pendulous  and  much  enlarged  con- 
dition of  the  abdomen ;  spinal  column  curved  in  a  downward 
direction  ;  and  the  animal  when  down  is  observed  to  rise  with 
difiiculty. 

It  often  happens  that  in  dropsy  of  the  uterus,  the  walls  of 
the  abdomen  are  ruptured  and  the  fluid  escapes  into  the  cellu- 
lar tissue  beneath  the  common  integuments ;  this  is  readily  de- 
tected by  an  unnatural  tumefaction  or  swelling  in  some  part  of 
the  abdominal  region.  My  usual  practice  in  a  case  of  this 
character  is  to  puncture  the  integument,  and  allow  the  fluid  to 
escape.  I  then  direct  that  the  animal  have  a  few  doses  of  the 
following :  — 


176         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Tincture  of  Matico, » 

Sweet  Spirits  of  Nitre, j  Equal  parts. 

Dose.  —  Half  an  ounce  of  each  in  one  pint  of  water.  The  animal  to  have  the  priyi- 
lege  of  barnyanl  or  pasture  exercise. 

Dropsy  confined  to  the  uterus  is  a  formidable  affection,  be- 
cause it  requires  the  services  of  an  experienced  surgeon,  who 
will,  probably,  tap  the  dropsical  membranes  through  the  vagina ; 
yet  the  operation  is  not  always  advisable,  for  it  frequently  re- 
sults in  premature  parturition. 

PUERPERAL  FEVER. 

During  the  past  few  years,  very  many  valuable  cows  have 
died  of  ^^milk  fever** — puerperal  fever  —  puerperal  convul- 
sions, etc. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  this  disease  almost  always  at- 
tacks cows  in  high  condition ;  hence,  in  view  of  prevention, 
we  should  endeavor  to  guard  against  the  accumulation  of  fat ; 
and  this  can  be  done  by  withholding  meal  and  substituting 
shorts,  and  also  by  allowing  considerable  quantities  of  roots, 
and  grass,  when  they  can  be  had. 

Puerperal  fever  is  a  disease  of  an  inflammatory  type.  The 
state  of  plethora,  which  is  observed  among  fine  cows  owned  by 
wealthy  individuals,  who  dispense  provender  liberally,  because 
they  hate  to  see  a  "poor"  cow,  is  more  likely  to  occur  in  a 
cow  when  pregnant,  and  stall-fed  (from  the  fat  of  the  crib), 
than  otherwise,  because,  under  such  management,  she  does  not 
get  exercise  enough  to  make  away  with  the  carbonaceous 
material,  and  therefore  it  increases  from  day  to  day,  and  is 
harvested  into  the  cell  reservoirs,  proving  in  its  bulk  detri- 
mental to  full  and  free  circulation,  respiration,  and  intestinal 
peristaltic  action. 

The  warm  and  impure  atmosphere  which  the  stall-fed  animal 
is  compelled  to  respire,  is  decidedly  operative  in  bringing  about 
that  condition  known  as  plethora;  therefore,  our  object  should 
be  to  secure  a  current  of  cool  and  pure  air  throughout  the 
cow  stable.  Pure  and  cool  air  is  a  very  potent  physiological, 
sedative,  contra-stimulant,  and  as  the  fat  animal  is  in  a  morbi^ 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  177 

state  of  excitation  from  the  stimulus  of  the  food,  as  well  as 
artificial  atmosphere,  the  suffering  creature  will  surely  be  ben- 
efited by  inhaling  the  requisite  amount  of  an  uncontaminated 
atmosphere. 

The  principal  causes  of  puerperal  fever  in  women  are  said 
to  be  misplaced  benevolence,  which  benevolently  /  furnishes  her 
with  choice  viands,  rich  caudles,  and  stimulants,  in  view  of 
obviating  debility,  and  insuring  hilarity  of  mind.  Now  the 
condition  of  the  pregnant  female  being  one  of  increased  sus- 
ceptibility, it  fully  demonstrates  the  incompatibility  of  using 
even  what  may  be  considered  as  the  ordinary  stimulations  of 
health.  Therefore,  in  the  case  of  the  cow,  stimulating  food 
and  an  unnecessary  amount  of  the  same  given  daily  after  the 
cow  has  "  come  to  her  growth,"  as  the  saying  is,  may  be  termed 
misplaced  benevolence ;  whereas,  if  the  cow  has  not  attained 
her  full  growth,  the  practice  of  feeding  liberally  is  not  objec- 
tionable, for  she  requires  a  large  amount  of  nutriment  to 
develop  the  various  parts  of  her  organism,  and  promote  the 
integrity  of  the  same,  and  also  to  nourish  the  foetus  in  utero, 
and  lastly,  for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  the  necessary  material 
for  the  lacteal  secretion.  It  has  been  noticed  that  great  milk- 
ers, as  well  as  fat  animals,  are  often  the  subjects  of  peurperal 
fever,  and  probably  the  suppression  of  the  milk  secretion,  in 
the  advanced  stage  of  pregnancy,  may  be  an  exciting  cause  of 
the  difficulty,  yet  not  in  all  cases ;  for  we  are  pretty  certain 
that  some  cows,  owing  to  a  peculiarity  of  constitution,  are  pre- 
disposed to  puerperal  hysteritis. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  guarding  against  the  consequences 
which  may  occur  when  the  animal  is  suddenly  "dried  up,"  we 
should  be  careful  to  diminish  the  daily  allowance  of  food,  and 
also  feed  lightly  from  this  period  up  to  that  of  parturition. 

Milking  the  cow  before  calving,  in  view  of  preventing  puer- 
peral fever,  is  very  mischevious,  for  it  is  apt  to  excite  prema- 
ture parturition ;  many  of  the  cows  I  have  attended  for  the 
above  complaint,  had  been  so  treated.  Occasionally  the  udder 
becomes  distended  to  a  painful  degree  so  that  it  is  necessary  to 
practice  moderate  milking,  otherwise  the  practice  is  injurious. 


178         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

It  is  generally  supposed  that  this  disease  first  manifests  it- 
self in  some  part  of  the  tissues  entering  into  "the  composition 
of  the  reproductive  organs ;  or,  in  other  language,  primary 
congestion  and  irritation  of  the  womb,  ending  in  cerebral  con- 
gestion and  convulsions.  The  cerebral  congestion,  however, 
is  not  always  the  cause  of  convulsions,  for  we  have  many  cases 
on  record  in  which  phlebotomy  was  practised  on  the  heroic 
plan  —  an  incredible  amount  of  blood  having  been  abstracted  — 
without  arresting  the  convulsions.  Hence,  in  such  cases  con- 
gestion is  the  result^  not  the  cause  of  convulsions.  A  very 
eminent  physician  (Dr.  Logan)  has  stated,  as  the  result  of 
observation,  that  puerperal  convulsions  were  generally  found  in 
females  of  highly  organized  nervous  systems,  and  who  were 
peculiarly  susceptible  to  irritation  of  that  system,  yet  our  ex- 
perience in  this  country,  in  cattle  practice,  confirms  what  we 
have  written  in  the  preceeding  part  of  this  article ;  viz.,  that 
puerperal  convulsions  are  more  frequent  among  fat  animals 
than  in  those  of  lean  condition.  The  theory  of  Dr.  Logan 
may  in  the  main  be  correct,  for  a  lean  animal  (nervous  tem- 
perament), can,  by  artificial  means,  be  brought  into  the  condi- 
tion known  as  plethora. 

Youatt  contends  that  "cows  in  high  condition  are  most  sub- 
ject to  an  attack  of  puerperal  fever.  Their  excess  of  condition, 
or  state  of  plethora,  disposes  them  to  affections  of  an  inflam- 
matory character,  at  all  times  and  under  all  circumstances." 

If  it  shall  prove  to  be  the  case,  that  puerperal  fever  is  the 
result  of  uterine  inflammation,  we  should  diagnose  the  case  as 
puerperal  hysteritis  and  treat  accordingly.  Puerperal  hys- 
teritis  may,  however,  occur  at  any  period  of  pregnacy. 

Symptoms.  —  The  early  symptoms  attending  a  disease  of 
this  character,  are  such  as  is  found  to  prevail  in  disease  of  a 
febrile  character ;  viz.,  loss  of  appetite,  accelerated  pulse  and 
respiration,  the  latter  attended  with  strong  but  quick  abdominal 
flank  movements.  The  tongue  slightly  coated ;  the  mouth  hot 
and  clammy ;  muzzle  dry.  There  is  also  a  sort  of  wildness 
about  the  eyes ;  the  animal  is  nervous,  and  some  unusual  spas- 
modic twitchings  of  the  muscles  will  generally  be  observed. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CaTTLE.  179 

Soon  the  animal  grates  her  teeth,  foams  at  the  mouth,  dashes 
her  head  recklessly  on  the  floor  (for  she  is  now  on  the  floor)  ; 
examine  the  eye  at  this  stage,  and  the  pupil  will  be  found  in 
an  amaurotic  state.  The  udder  becomes  swollen,  hot  and  ten- 
der, and  the  lacteal  secretion  is  partly  suspended. 

The  disease  generally  appears  within  a  fortnight  after  calv- 
ing, and  it  may  occur  within  a  very  few  hours ;  its  duration  is 
very  brief,  both  the  curable  and  incurable  cases  terminate 
either  one  way  or  the  other,  in  a  short  time,  and  if  violent 
convulsions  set  in,  we  generally  find  that  the  patient  has  but 
little  time  to  live,  especially  is  this  the  case  when  paraplegia 
be  present,  or  paralysis  in  any  form.  The  principal  symptoms 
in  which  the  diagnosis  must  be  founded,  are  as  follows  We  first 
ascertain  whether  or  no  the  animal  has,  within  the  period  of  a 
fortnight,  given  birth  to  a  calf,  if  so,  and  she  manifests  the 
usual  symptoms  of  convulsions,  refuses  to  notice  her  calf,  and 
has  lost  the  use,  more  or  less,  of  her  limbs  ;  the  eyes  present- 
ing a  wild  stare,  the  pupils  being  dilated,  and  the  udder  swollen, 
we  may  then  safely  conclude  that  we  have  a  case  of  milk  fever 
to  deal  with. 

Treatment.  —  The  professional  man  treats  the  disease  ac- 
cording to  its  indications,  and  the  non-professional,  if  he  attempt 
to  treat  a  case  of  this  character,  must  endeavor  to  do  likewise. 
I  cannot  possibly  commit  to  paper  all  the  necessary  information, 
but  shall  merely  lay  down  a  few  simple  rules  for  the  manage- 
ment of  such  cases,  at  the  same  time  I  would  advise  the 
owner  of  the  sick  cow  to  secure,  if  possible,  the  services  of  some 
competent  veterinarian. 

Some  practitioners  recommend  the  abstraction  of  blood  from 
the  jugular  vein,  but  my  practice  is  to  bleed  from  the  bowels, 
by  administering  purgative  medicine  ;  in  this  way  the  animal 
can  be  depleted  with  greater  safety  than  by  blood-letting. 

The  cathartic  is  as  follows  :  — 

Epsom  or  Glauber  Salts, 1  pound 

Croton  Farina, 10  grains. 

Powdered  Ginger, 2  drachms. 

Warm  Water, 1  quart. 


180         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Directions.  —  First  dissolve  the  salts  in  the  above  amount 
of  water,  then  add  the  croton  and  ginger.  Drench  the  animal 
by  means  of  a  quart  bottle ;  take  time  to  pour  it  down  the  oesoph- 
agus, and  the  more  speedily  will  it  act.  If  I  have  no  faith 
in  blood-letting,  I  may  be  said  to  have  greai  faith  in  purgation, 
for  as  Percivall  very  truly  observes,  in  regard  to  the  treatment 
of  staggers  in  horses,  ^^  purge  a  horse  and  you  cure  him^''  so  I 
say  in  regard  to  the  treatment  of  puerperal  fever,  purge  a  cow 
and  she  shall  he  cured  ;  the  bowels  must  be  made  to  liberate 
their  contents.  After  having  administered  the  medicine,  the 
patient  must  be  watched,  and  when  she  lays  down  let  her  have 
a  comfortable  bed  of  hay,  and  the  attendant  should  occasionally 
sponge  her  head  with  cold  water.  Wlien  down,  a  good  stimu- 
lating alkaline  enema  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum,  com- 
posed of  warm  water,  two  quarts ;  ginger,  half  an  ounce ;  fine 
salt,  two  ounces. 

Supposing  that,  after  a  lapse  of  six  or  eight  hours,  the  bowels 
fail  to  respond  to  the  purgative,  half  the  quantity  just  recom- 
mended may  be  given,  and  perhaps  it  may  be  proper,  in  view 
of  creating  a  vaccuum  in  the  rectum,  to  repeat  the  enema ;  for 
purgation  once  established,  our  patient  is  safe ;  yet,  in  view  of 
producing  this  very  desirable  result,  it  is  not  a  rational  pro- 
cedure to  convert  the  stomach  into  an  apothecary's  shop,  and 
gorge  it  with  useless  drugs,  as  is,  unfortunately,  too  often  the 
case ;  for,  by  this  means,  a  medicijial  disease  is  created,  which 
is  generally  more  uncontrollable  than  the  original  one. 

In  curable  cases  it  is  very  rare  for  the  above  medicine  to 
fail  in  exciting  catharsis  ;  however,  such  remedy  is  not  always 
at  hand  (I  mean  the  salts) ;  the  next  best  remedy  is  common 
table  salt,  to  be  substituted  for  the  glauber  or  epsom  salts. 

Other  indications  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  treatment  of  this  dis- 
ease. 7—  The  palsied  limbs  require  attention.  Let  them  be  dili- 
gently rubbed  with  tincture  of  capsicum  —  hot  drops  —  in  view 
of  producing  reaction  ;  by  this  means  we  equalize  the  circula- 
tion, and  thus  relieve  internal  congestion. 

Should  the  bowels  be  tympanitic,  or  distended  with  gas,  a 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  181 

quart  of  ginger  tea  may  be  given,  and  it  may  do  more  good  if 
a  small  quantity  of  carbonate  of  soda  be  added  to  the  same. 

Should  the  animal  be  thirsty,  a  small  quantity  of  powdered 
nitre  may  be  dissolved  in  water  or  thin  gruel,  and  offered  to 
her. 

After  the  bowels  have  operated,  the  danger  passed,  a  few 
doses  of  alterative  medicine  may  be  given.  This  is  composed 
of— 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2  ounces. 

"         Ginger, 1  ounce. 

"        Sulphur, 2  ovnces. 

Mix,  divide  into  eight  parts,  and  give  one,  daily,  in  the  food 
or  by  drench. 

The  following  case,  from  the  author's  note-book,  is  here  in- 
troduced to  illustrate  a  new  mode  of  treatment :  — 

The  case  to  which  the  following  remarks  allude,  occurred  in 
a  five-years-old  coW,  the  property  of  Mr.  G.,  Maiden,  Mass. 
The  animal  gave  birth,  without  assistance,  to  a  healthy  male 
calf;  the  birth  took  place  during  the  night-time,  at  pasture,  the 
weather  being  rather  tempestuous.  Three  days  after  parturi- 
tion, the  cow  showed  symptoms  of  failing  health,  and  the  owner, 
like  a  sensible  man,  instead  of  boring  the  animal's  horns,  at 
the  suggestions  of  the  neighbors,  preferred  to  seek  advice; 
hence  my  services  were  secured. 

Recorded  Symptoms.  —  Patient,  down  on  left  side ;  pupils 
amaurotic ;  pulse  scarcely  perceptible ;  respiration  of  a  ster- 
torous character,  and  accelerated ;  surface  of  the  body  com- 
fortably warm,  visible  surfaces,  of  a  leaden  hue  ;  abdomen 
slightly  tympanitic.  The  animal  occasionally  turns  its  head 
towards  the  costal  region,  and  returns  it  recklessly  to  the  floor ; 
mamma  tumefied  and  hot ;  internal  surface  of  the  labia  pudendi 
inflamed.     The  patient  takes  no  notice  of  its  offspring. 

Treatment.  —  Applied  counter-irritants  to  the  spinal  and 
pectoral  regions,  and  then  applied  sulphuric  ether  to  the  nos- 
trils. The  object  in  administering  sulphuric  ether  was  to 
diminish  the  reflex  excitability  of  the  nervous  system,  and  so 
cut  short  the  convulsive  paroxysms. 
16 


182         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

The  ether  appeared  to  prove  invaluable ;  for,  soon  after  its 
administration,  the  animal  appeared  calm,  tranquil,  and  rational, 
and  soon  began  to  take  notice  of  its  offspring.  I  then  admin- 
istered table  salt,  eight  ounces ;  water,  one  pint. 

Flannels  saturated  with  infusion  of  hops  were  now  applied 
to  the  mamma,  and  renewed  occasionally.  In  the  course  of 
thirty-six  hours  after  the  administration  of  the  ether,  the  patient 
was  standing  up,  nursing  her  offspring,  and  at  the  same  time 
partook  of  a  Iran  mash.  The  following  three  days  the  patient 
got  two  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  chamomile  flowers  per  diem, 
and  was  then  turned  out  to  grass,  and  "  done  well,"  as  the 
saying  is. 

Remarks  on  the  Preceding  Case.  —  The  treatment  of 
puerperal  fever,  in  by-gone  days,  is  a  disgrace  to  what  has 
been  considered  as  a  "  learned  profession."  It  is  a  very  unfor- 
tunate circumstance  that  such  learned  men  as  Ramsboiham, 
Churchill,  Meigs,  and  other  equally  distinguished  midwifarians, 
should  contend  that  "  the  lancet  is  our  sheet  anchor  in  puerperal 
convulsions."  They  inform  the  world  of  medical-non-thinkers, 
that  the  daring  use  of  "  the  lancet  is  demanded  ; "  that  the  "  lan- 
cet is  our  sheet  anchor;"  that"  blood  must  be  taken  largely." 
Yet  a  great  proportion  of  their  patients  thus  treated,  prematurely 
pay  the  debt  of  nature  "  secundum  artem."  "What  a  libel  on  a 
*'  learned  prof ession  "  is  this  state  of  affairs  !  and,  unfortunately 
the  distinguished  French  surgeon,  Cazeaux,  has  endorsed  the 
reckless  tactics  of  England's  universal  wretched  practice ;  viz., 
"  sanguine  emissions"  Now  I  contend  that  the  routine  practice 
of  the  acknowledged  authorities,  will  not  stand  the  test  of 
modern  medical  logic  ;  that  it  is  contrary  to  all  demonstrative 
experience,  and  therefore  should  receive  the  seal  of  oblivious 
antiquity,  never  to  be  re-acted  or  countenanced  by  sensible 
men.  The  old  school  heretics  are  great  sticklers  for  the  sup- 
port of  their  tottering  fabric ;  viz.,  "  that  fever  and  inflamma- 
tion must  be  subdued ; "  and  they  commit  outrages  on  the 
physiological  laws  of  animality,  by  instituting  a  series  of  manip- 
ulations redolent  of  the  aroma  acceptable  to  the  god  of  path- 
ology, whom  they  worship  with  the  spontaneous  faith  of  a 
new  convert. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  183 

PUERPERAL  FEVER  MISTAI^N  FOR  "  HORN-AIL." 

Deplorable  Event.  —  Monday,  June  15th,  1  o'clock,  p.m.; 
was  requested  to  proceed  to  Medford,  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
professional  advice  regarding  the  treatment  of  a  valuable  cow, 
said  to  be  afflicted  with  "  horn-ail."  The  animal  was  owned  by 
Mr.  E.,  a  man  well  known  to  our  citizens  as  an  industrious  ex- 
pressman, and  one  who  could  not  afford  to  lose  an  animal  which 
contributed  largely  for  the  support  of  his  family. 

The  history  of  the  case  may  be  briefly  condensed,  as  follows : 
The  patient,  at  that  period,  was  the  mother  of  a  fine,  healthy 
calf,  three  days  old  ;  had  been  somewhat  exposed  to  the  vari- 
able weather  prevailing  at  the  time ;  was  first  observed  to  have 
lost  her  cud,  as  the  saying  is,  or  to  have  ceased  ruminating ; 
her  head  drooped ;  the  udder  became  hard  and  swollen ;  the 
secretion  of  milk  small ;  the  breathing  rapid  ;  eyes  dull.  Soon 
after  the  attack  she  got  down,  and  turned  her  head  towards  the 
left  side,  and  would  occasionally  throw  it  recklessly  about. 
The  horns  were  cold,  and  in  consequence,  "  the  neighbors  per- 
suaded the  owner  that  his  cow  was  the  subject  of  horn-ail." 
The  horns  were  bored  in  several  places,  and  pepper,  etc.,  in- 
troduced within  their  cavities  ;  but  the  suffering  creature  grew 
no  better  very  fast.  In  the  meantime  she  was  "  dosed  and 
doctored." 

Present  symptoms  at  the  time  of  my  visit.  —  The  animal 
lies  on  the  right,  her  head  turned  to  the  left  side ;  pulse  flutter- 
ing, cannot  be  counted.  The  expiratory  murmur  is  gurgling ; 
in  number,  twenty-two.  She  is  unconscious,  insensible  to  man- 
ipulation, and  unable  to  rise.  The  eyes  have  lost  their  bril- 
liancy, and  are  amaurotic.  A  few  tears  are  passing  over  the 
inner  canthus,  and  run  down  the  cheek.  She  evinces  little  signs 
of  life,  except  by  respiratory  action.  Traces  of  effused  blood 
are  seen  on  a  small  portion  of  protruded  rectum,  and  the  inner 
part  of  the  labii  of  the  vagina  is  brightly  reddened.  Various 
parts  of  the  body  differ  in  temperature  ;  the  frontal  regions  and 
horns  very  hot ;  lumbar  regions  cold  ;  fore  extremities  warm  ; 


184 


THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 


hind  extremities  cold.  Abdomen  slightly  tympanitic*  There 
is  no  appearance  of  either  dung  or  urine  having  been  recently 
voided. 

Diagnosis,  f  Puerperal  Fever. 

Prognosis,  |  Speedy  death. 

I  shall  offer  no  comment  on  this  case,  but  respectfully  ask 
the  reader's  attention  to  article  "horn-ail,"  which  will  be 
found  at  page  259.  It  may  not,  however,  be  out  of  place  to 
remark,  that  being  satisfied  there  was  no  help  for  the  poor 
creature,  I  declined  doing  any  thing.  Under  such  circumstances 
I  hold  t©  the  doctrine  that  "  it  is  the  province  of  the  good  phy- 
sician to  know  when  to  do  nothing ; "  for  the  censurable  practice 
8C  often  pursued  of  worrying  a  dying  creature  by  forcing  a  hor- 
rid mass  of  "  hotch  potch,"  down  its  throat,  is  a  proceeding 
which  a  Christian  community  should  set  their  faces  against. 


INVERSION  OF  THE  WOMB  AFTER  CALVING.    For  explanation  see  p.  391. 


=*  Tympanitis.     Distended  by  flatus  or  gas. 

t  Diagnosis.     The  art  of  discriminating  diseases. 

X  Prognosis.    The  art  of  foretelling  the  result  of  diseases. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  18c 

INVERSION  OF  THE  UTERUS. 

This  sad  accident  is  generally  occasioned  by  extra  uterine  ex- 
pulsive action,  at  the  moment  of  the  birth  of  the  calf,  aided  by 
adhesions  of  the  placenta  to  the  cotyledons  ;  by  which  means, 
in  the  process  of  delivery,  the  uterus  is  actually  turned 
inside  out.  The  relaxation  of  the  ligaments,  which  ordinarily 
confine  the  uterus  to  the  pelvic  cavity,  may  be  one  among  the 
various  causes  which  tend  to  induce  inversion.  The  accident, 
so  far  as  my  experience  goes,  is  apt  to  occur  in  animals  of  an 
inferior  class,  coarse  and  flabbily  organized,  and  among  others 
in  a  debilitated  condition.  The  only  way  to  prevent  a  recur- 
rence of  inversion  is  to  spay  the  cow. 

Treatment  of  inversion  of  the  uterus.  —  The  old  method  of 
introducing  the  arm,  in  order  to  force  back  the  protruded  parts, 
is  now  superceded  by  a  bulbous  rod  of  iron  (see  cut  of  instru- 
ments), which  must  be  applied  to  the  fundus  or  base  of  the 
womb ;  a  due  amount  of  pressure  being  steadily  made,  an 
assistant  manipulates  the  sides,  and  fhe  womb  is  re-inverted ; 
sometimes  it  is  very  difficult  to  get  the  womb  back,  in 
consequence  of  latent  uterine  action ;  which  convulsively 
resists  our  efforts,  and  violently  sends  it  out  again  at  the 
moment  of  return. 

Should  the  convulsive  action  of  the  uterus  continue  any  great 
length  of  time,  I  should  etherize  the  animal  and  when  fully 
under  its  influence,  the  reduction  may  again  be  attempted  and 
probably  consummated. 

The  instrument,  should  be  kept  in  the  womb  for  some  time 
after  reduction,  so  as  to  give  the  muscular  fibres  of  its  walls 
time  enough  to  contract,  and  it  may  be  necessary,  to  have  a  man 
in  attendance  for  a  whole  day  or  more,  in  view  of  accomplish- 
ing this  result. 

So  soon  as  the  reduction  is  complete  I  should  sponge  the 
loins  often  with  cold  water,  or  a  better  plan,  perhaps,  would  be 
to  pack  the  loins  after  the  fashion  of  hydropathy ;  the  loins 
and  abdomen  will  by  this  method  receive  considerable  support, 
which  will  be  favorable  to  induce  contractile  power  in  the 
uterus. 

16* 


1^6         THlJf  NATURH  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Sometimes  the  presence  of  the  bulbous  instrument  in  the 
uterus,  after  reduction,  tends  to  keep  up  the  after  pains  or 
expulsive  action,  and  if  so  it  must  be  removed,  previous  to 
which  however,  some  stout  tape  should  be  sent  through  the 
thick  skin  in  the  region  of  the  prominences  found  on  each  side 
of  the  vaginal  outlet,  known  as  the  tuberosity  of -the  ischium; 
this  is  a  much  better  plan  than  that  of  stitching  the  vaginal  lips. 
After  removing  the  instrument,  a  pad  may  be  placed  on  the 
lips  of  the  vagina,  then  tie  the  tape  sutures  moderately  tight ; 
two  sutures  will  answer,  and  they  can  be  allowed  to  remain 
until  all  danger  of  re-inversion  has  passed.  The  animal 
should  be  placed  in  a  situation  where  the  hind  parts  can 
be  elevated  a  few  inches. 

The  following  cases  appear  interesting  enough  to  obtain  a 
space  in  this  work  and  I  recommend  them  to  the  reader's 
perusal,  they  occurred  in  the  practice  of  Surgeon  Young- 
husband  :  — 

"On  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  January,  1850,  I  was  sent  for 
in  great  haste  to  a  cow  that  three  .days  before  had  calved,  and 
apparently  up  to  this  time  had  done  well ;  but  on  that  morning; 
on  the  cow-keeper  attending  as  usual,  he  found  the  cow  down, 
and  the  whole  of  the  uterus  protruding  through  the  vagina.  On 
my  arrival  I  found  her  as  described,  with  the  uterus  in  a  most 
loathsome  state,  from  being  suffered  to  remain  unprotected 
among  the  dung  and  urine  of  the  cow-house,  and  also  the 
placental  membranes  adherent.  Plenty  of  assistance  being  at 
hand,  we  had  her  up,  well  raised  her  hind  parts,  and  in  that 
position  secured  her,  so  that  she  could  not  well  slip  down  again. 
Having  carefully  detached  the  placenta,  I  next  proceeded  to 
cleanse  the  parts  by  washing  them  with  a  mixture  of  weak 
spirit  and  water.  Having  accomplished  this,  I  proceeded  to 
return  the  part  ;  but  on  minutely  examining  that  viscus,  before 
attempting  its  replacement  I  discovered  in  it  a  large  rent, 
through  which  I  easily  introduced  my  hand,  and  for  the  better 
satisfaction  of  the  owner,  I  caused  one  of  the  bystanders  to  do 
the  same,  to  show  them  that  it  was  not  through  any  mismanage- 
ment of  mine  that  this  untoward  accident  had  taken  place;  for 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  187 

in  my  belief,  another  cow  had  trod  upon  it  while  she  was  down, 
and  thus  done  the  mischief.  After  this,  I  effected  its  return 
without  much  difficulty.  Judging  that  I  had  got  all  the  part 
into  a  right  position,  etc.,  I  made  made  an  attempt  to  withdraw 
my  arm ;  but,  in  doing  this,  the  cow  immediately  began  to 
strain  with  such  violence  that  it  was  not  without  the  greatest 
difficulty  that  I  could  retain  the  part  in  statu  quo. 

"  But,  by  a  fortunate  slip,  her  anterior  parts  were  brought  so 
near  the  ground  that  I  now  easily  accomplished  that  which,  for 
a  length  of  time,  I  had  found  the  greatest  difficulty  in  attempt- 
ing to  do ;  viz.,  getting  the  part  into  a  right  position  retain- 
ing it  there,  and  withdrawing  my  arm  without  difficulty.  The 
cow  now  straining  very  little  or  none,  I  applied  the  usual 
means  of  prevention,  gave  an  anodyne,  had  her  set  up 
from  the  awkward  position  into  which  she  had  got,  and 
waited  to  see  the  result.  Retreated  for  a  short  time,  leaving 
a  watch  in  case  any  thing  untoward  should  again  take  place. 
On  my  return,  I  found  her  still  up,  attended  with  no  bad 
symptoms,  very  little  straining,  and  appearing  to  be  more 
comfortable  than  her  situation  would  warrant.  She  was  now 
offered  a  little  food,  of  which  she  seemed  to  partake  freely. 
Still  I  warned  the  owner  of  the  danger,  and  told  him  I  had 
not  the  slightest  hopes  of  her  recovery.  To  be  brief,  from 
that  time  she  had  a  little  fever  medicine  occasionally,  and  I 
paid  her  a  few  visits,  still  finding  her  apparently  improving, 
and  on  my  last  visit,  on  the  10th,  found  her  in  so  favorable 
a  situation  that  I  told  the  owner  that,  being  at  a  great  distance, 
unless  I  heard  more  from  him,  I  would  discontinue  my  attend- 
ance; nor  had  I  more  occasion  to  repeat  them.  The  cow  did 
well,  and  has  since  had  two  more  calves  without  needing  any 
of  my  assistance. 

"Case  II. — This  was  a  cow  belonging  to  Mr.  T.  Monk- 
house,  of  Moredale,  in  my  neighborhood,  which  calved  appar- 
ently with  the  greatest  ease,  showing  no  signs  of  particular 
uneasiness  ;  but,  on  paying  her  a  visit,  he  found  her  with  the 
uterus  protruded  and  the  placenta  attached.  Tliey  immediately 
secured  the  part,  so  as  it  might  receive  little  or  no  injury  from 


188         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

the  contact  of  foreign  bodies.  In  the  mean  time,  a  messenger 
was  dispatched  for  me.  Being  at  home,  I  was  not  long  in 
being  at  my  post.  After  having  her  put  in  a  position  which 
I  considered  favorable,  I  proceeded  to  detach  the  placenta, 
which  was  easily  done,  and  the  part  being  free  from  dirt,  was 
soon  ready  for  returning,  which,  from  the  dilated  state  of  the 
parts  of  generation,  was  of  all  cases  I  ever  had,  the  most  easily 
accomplished.  But  mark  the  sequel ;  when  I  imagined  I  had 
made  all  right,  the  cow,  appearing  to  suffer  very  little  from  the 
effects  of  the  operation,  was  let  up  from  her  situation,  and  I  had 
withdrawn  my  arm,  when,  behold,  a  portion  of  the  small  intestine 
made  its  appearance  through  the  vulva.  Judge  of  my  consterna- 
tion now,  having  no  cause  to  fear  such  an  untoward  act.  I  told 
the  owner  how  the  case  stood,  and  frankly  confessed  my  igno- 
rance of  its  cause.  I  now  proceeded  to  find  out  the  rent  in  the 
uterus,  which  I  soon  did,  it  being  in  its  posterior  part,  and  without 
much  difficulty  got  the  intestine  returned.  My  next  aim  was 
to  cause  as  much  contraction  of  the  uterus  as  I  could,  so  as  to 
bring  the  divided  edges  of  the  organ  together.  This  I  did  by 
the  application  of  tr.  opii  camph.,  and  which,  I  am  proud  to 
say,  soon  gave  me  the  required  satisfaction ;  so  much  so,  in- 
deed, that  before  I  withdrew  my  arm,  the  laceration  was 
scarcely  distinguishable  to  the  touch.  The  cow  in  this  case 
appearing  in  so  easy  a  state,  no  truss  was  applied  the  first 
night,  but  a  person  staid  with  her,  if  possible  to  prevent  future 
ills.  Now,  sir,  I  must  say  of  all  cows,  this  one  has  gone  on 
most  favorably.  To  give  a  description  of  her  treatment  would 
be  a  waste  of  time  and  paper ;  since  as  to  the  medical  treat- 
ment, it  amounted  almost  to  nothing.  Careful  nursing,  with  a 
few  solitary  doses  of  medicine,  constituted  the  whole  ;  and  at 
the  time  of  writing  this,  she  is  in  as  thriving  a  state  as  any  of 
the  stock  on  the  farm.  So  I  think  I  may  say  of  this  case> 
per  *c." 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  189 

DISEASES  OF  THE  UDDER  AND  TEATS. 

MAMMITIS 

Mammitis  signifies  inflammation  of  the  udder ;  it  usually 
consists  of  tumefaction,  attended  with  heat  and  pain,  and  gen- 
erally sets  in  shortly  after  calving.  The  treatment  of  this 
affection  should  be  antiphlogistic :  let  the  animal  have  a  full 
dose  of  glauber  salts,  and  apply  a  refrigerating  lotion  to  the 
udder  (cold  water  will  answer),  in  view  of  reducing  the  tem- 
perature of  the  same.  In  this  state  of  the  udder  scarcely  any 
milk  flows,  and  what  comes  is  often  bloody ;  soon  an  entire 
obstruction  takes  place,  or  nothing  but  a  watery  secretion  can 
be  got  away.  Next,  the  udder  hardens  in  places,  abscesses 
form,  and  then  the  secretory  function  of  one  of  more  quarters 
is  destroyed;  the  animal  now  has  the  "garget,"  and  ten 
chances  to  one  if  the  part  or  parts  are  ever  restored.  The 
only  way  to  prevent  garget,  is  to  let  the  calf  suck  immediately 
nfter  it  is  born,  or  else  introduce  a  tube  into  one  or  more  of  the 
teats,  and  thus  evacuate  the  milk  ere  it  coagulates. 

The  following  article  was  lately  furnished  by  the  author  for 
the  Rural  New  Yorker,  and  is  here  introduced  in  view  of 
"lighting  up"  the  subject. 

INFLAMED  UDDER. 

"  Mr.  Editor,  —  I  notice  that  one  of  yoi^R*  subscribers  is 
desirous  of  obtaining  some  information  in  regard  to  the  treat- 
ment of  Knots  in  Cows  Teats  (a  diseased  condition,  known  to 
medical  men  as  induration),  and  in  view  of  gratifying  his 
wishes,  and  perhaps,  at  the  same  time,  contributing  an  item 
which  may  result  in  good  to  the  inferior  animal,  I  send  you  the 
following :  — 

"  The  disease,  at  its  commencement,  invariably  consists  of  an 
inflamed  condition  of  the  mamma  or  "  bag,"  characterized  by 
pain,  heat,  swelling,  and  more  or  less  febrile  symptoms.  It  is 
precisely  the  same  disease  which   many  nursing  women  are 


190         THE  NATURE  ANB   TREATMENT  OF 

prone  to,  and  suffer  from,  and  its  terminations,  when  not  ar- 
rested in  the  early  stage,  are  exactly  the  same  ;  viz.,  suppura- 
tion, formation  of  an  abscess,  induration,  or  hardening  of 
the  walls  of  the  bag.  In  the  human  female  the  suppurative 
stage  is  known  to  nurses  as  "  broken  breast ; "  and  the  state  of 
induration  or  hardening,  which  follows,  or  may  exist  indepen- 
dent of  an  abscess,  is  commonly  called  "  caked "  breast ;  hence 
the  term  caked  udder.  Such  is  the  character  of  this  disease 
as  it  occurs  among  cows  in  the  United  States.  In  Europe  it 
occasionally  assumes  a  more  malignant  form,  and  it  often  be- 
comes necessary  to  extirpate  the  whole  gland ! 

"  Treatment  of  Mammitis  or  Inflamed  Udder.  —  The  disease 
should  be  attended  to  in  its  early  stage,  and  the  milk  must  be 
evacuated,  so  that  it  shall  not  accumulate  nor  coagulate.  In 
order  to  do  this  a  metallic  tube  may  be  inserted  into  the  teat, 
and  allowed  to  remain  there,  so  that  the  milk  shall  flow  as  fast 
as  it  is  secreted.  The  inflamed  part  must  be  bathed  with  cold 
water  several  times  during  the  day,  to  which  add  a  few  drops 
of  tincture  of  arnica,  and  if  the  part  be  very  painful,  an  in- 
fusion of  hops  may  be  used.  Afterwards  anoint  the  parts 
with  a  small  quantity  of  glycerine. 

"  The  animal  must  be  kept  on  a  very  light  diet  (scalded  shorts 
are  good),  and  if  she  be  fat,  or  the  least  constipation  of  bowels 
exist,  I  should  give  one  pound  of  epsom  salts,  dissolved  in 
warm  water,  to  which  may  be  added  a  small  quantity  of  molas- 
ses, and  a  tea-spoonful  of  ginger. 

"  Supposing  tl^  case  to  be  in  the  suppurative  stage,  and  it  is 
evident  that  pus  or  "  matter"  is  forming  within  the  "  bag,"  or 
its  walls,  it  may  be  poulticed  with  flax-seed,  or  rubbed  twice, 
daily,  with  some  stimulating  liniment,  say  linseed  oil,  two 
ounces ;  spirits  of  hartshorn,  one  drachm.  So  soon  as  the  mat- 
ter burrows  to  the  surface,  and  a  soft  spot  can  be  detected,  it 
should  have  a  free  opening  made  into  it  by  means  of  a  thumb 
lancet ;  the  matter  must  then  be  squeezed  out,  and  into  the 
cavity  syringe  some  salt  and  water,  or  a  little  tincture  of  aloes. 
In  the  suppurative  stage  I  generally  order  a  generous  diet. 

"In  the  indurated  stage  the  treatment  consists  in  exciting  ab- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  191 

sorption  of  fhe  parts,  and  in  this  view  I  recommend  iodide  of 
potassium,  known  as  "hydriodate  of  potassa;"  it  is  one  of  the 
most  efficient  remedies  for  the  absorption  of  abnormal  growths 
that  I  have  ever  used,  and  it  is  highly  recommended  in  our 
text  books  by  men  well  acquainted  with  its  modus  operandi. 

"  The  dose  of  hydriodate  of  potassa  is  twenty  grains  per  day, 
to  be  pulverized  and  dissolved  in  water.  Being  inodorous  and 
almost  tasteless,  there  is  no  trouble  about  the  patient  drinking 
it.  The  medicine  may  be  continued  until  the  enlargement  dis- 
appears, when  the  dose  may  be  gradually  lessened.  If  I  were 
called  upon  to  treat  a  chronic  case  of  long  standing,  I  should, 
in  addition  to  the  above,  besmear  the  parts  daily  with  a  portion 
of  the  following :  iodide  of  potassium,  one  drachm  ;  glycerine, 
seven  drachms.     JVIix.  Yours,  etc., 

«  G.  H.  D." 

STRICTUBE  IN  COWS  TEATS. 

I  was  lately  consulted  in  reference  to  the  case  of  a  very- 
valuable,  imported  cow,  that  had  obstruction  in  the  off  posterior 
teat.  She  had  given  birth  about  a  week  previous  to  twin 
calves.  The  obstruction  appeared  to  be  located  about  half  way 
up  the  teat.  I  fomented  the  parts  with  an  infusion  of  lobelia, 
after  which  the  tube  was  easily  introduced. 

OBSTRUCTION  AT  THE  ENDS  OF  THE  TEATS. 

It  occasionally  happens  that  a  fungous  or  warty  excrescence 
makes  its  appearance  at  the  end  and  centre  of  the  teat,  which 
obstructs  the  flow  of  milk,  and  is  very  annoying  and  painful  to 
the  animal.  This  should  be  removed  by  the  scalpel,  taking 
care  to  dissect  away  every  portion  of  the  morbid  growth.  The 
part  is  then  to  be  sprinkled  with  powdered  bloodroot,  in 
order  to  prevent  union  of  the  edges  of  the  outlet  of  the  teat ; 
the  milk  tube,  well  oiled,  must  now  and  then  be  introduced. 

OBSTRUCTION  IN  THE  TEATS. 

A  simple  obstruction  in  the  teats  is  frequently  occasioned 
by  imperfect  union  of  the  lining  membrane.     This  is  easily 


19^  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

remedied  by  introducing  a  tube  constructed  for  the  purpose 
(see  cut,  page  3),  which  should  be  well  lubricated  with  olive 
oil,  and  allowed  to  remain  in  the  lactiferous  channel  for  several 
hours  daily,  or  until  all  danger  of  re-adhesion  has  passed  away. 
The  lactiferous  outlet  is  sometimes  obstructed  by  false  mem- 
branes running  across  its  channel ;  these  must  be  annihilated 
by  the  introduction  of  the  tube. 

TUMORS  IN  THE  TEAT. 

Tumors  are  occasionally  found  in  the  teats  ;  their  presence 
is  determined  by  bulbous  enlargement,  which  on  manipulation 
appear  very  evident ;  the  methodis  medendi  in  such  cases,  is 
to  introduce  a  tube  well  smeared  with  iodine  ointment,  and  re- 
peat the  operation  two  or  three  times  daily  until  the  milk. 
passes  freely. 

INJURIES  TO  THE  TEATS. 

I  have  met  with  several  cases  of  injury  to  the  teats  in  the 
form  of  an  incision,  which  occurred  accidentally  on  the  animal 
rising  from  the  ground,  cutting  or  lacerating  the  same  with  its 
own  hoofs.  When  the  accident  is  discovered  shortly  after  it 
happened,  the  parts  may  be  brought  together  by  uninterrupted 
suture ;  the  seam  is  then  coated  with  collodion,  and  the  milk 
must  be  evacuated  wholly  by  the  tube  until  the  parts  have 
united.  Sometimes  the  union  is  not  complete,  but  a  small  fis- 
tulous opening  is  left,  through  which  the  milk  is  constantly 
dribbling.  The  only  way  to  remedy  this  is  to  convert  the  fis- 
tula into  a  simple  flesh-wound ;  this  is  done  by  means  of  a 
sharp-pointed  knife  which  removes  the  thin  callus  forming  the 
interior  of  the  fistula,  the  raw  edges  are  then  to  be  brought  to- 
gether by  suture,  and  collodion  and  the  tube  used  as  before. 

SORE  TEATS. 

First,  wash  with  warm  water  and  castile  soap  ;  then  lubricate 
the  parts  with 

Lime  Water, '. .  ) 

LiDBeedOU j  Equal  parts. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  103 

CHAPPED  TEATS  AND  CHAFED  UDDER. 

Foment  the  parts  daily  with  an  infusion  of  camomile  flow- 
ers for  at  least  fifteen  minutes  at  a  time ;  then  wipe  dry  and 
use  the  lime  liniment.  These  temporary,  or  what  might  with 
more  propriety  be  termed  local  maladies,  will,  if  the  system  be 
free  from  morbid  matter,  generally  yield  to  local  remedies.  If, 
however,  no  change  for  the  better  can  be  observed,  the  follow- 
ing aperient  should  be  given  :  — 

Fluid  Extract'of  Goldenseal, 3  drachms. 

Powdered  Mandrake, ^  an  ounce. 

Powdered  Ginger, 1  tea-spoonful. 

Dissolve  in  warm  water,  one  quart,  and  drench  the  animal 
with  the  same.  In  the  event  of  the  above  remedies  failing  to 
give  relief,  anoint  the  parts  twice  daily  with  a  portion  of  the 
following :  — 

Glycerine, 4  ounces. 

Fine  elm  flour  enough  to  form  a  thin  paste . 

INVERSION  OF  THE  VAGINA. 

Inversion  of  the  vagina  generally  occurs  in  the  latter  months 
of  pregnancy,  at  a  time  when  the  digestive  organs  are  some- 
what impaired,  either  actually  or  sympathetically  ;  in  either 
condition  the  food  is  very  apt  to  be  imperfectly  re-masticated, 
and  ferments ;  this  gives  rise  to  the  formation  of  gas  within  the 
alimentary  canal,  and  occasions  tumefaction  of  the  compartments 
of  the  stomach  and  large  intestines.  In  this  state  they  take 
up  more  room  than  can  be  spared  for  their  occupancy,  hence 
the  pressure  in  a  posterior  direction,  which  forces  the  vagina 
out  of  its  location.  When  this  difficulty  occurs  in  a  cow  on 
the  eve  of  parturition,  there  will  be  some  danger  of  in- 
version of  the  uterus,  unless  the  reduction  is  effected  before 
delivery,  therefore  I  should  endeavor  to  make  room  in  the  ab- 
dominal cavity,  by  putting  a  stop  to  the  fermentation  which  is 
going  on  in  the  stomach ;  in  this  view  I  recommend  that  the 
animal  have  the  following  drench  :  — 

•         Hyposulphite    of  Soda, 1  ounce. 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 4  drachm. 

Water, 1  quart.    Mix. 

17 


194         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Having  administered  this  drench,  procure  a  soft  sponge  and 
foment  the  part  —  if  it  be  much  inflamed  and  painful  —  with  a 
tepid  infusion  of  hops  ;  if  the  inversion  be  of  recent  origin  and 
not  much  congested,  cold  water  may  be  used  instead.  After  a 
while  pressure  and  manipulation  may  accomplish  the  reduction  ; 
yet  it  is  apt  to  re-appear  and  continue  to  do  so  until  the  animal 
has  got  rid  of  her  burden.  The  reduction,  however,  must  be 
effected  if  possible,  every  time  the  protrusion  makes  its  ap- 
pearance, or  the  cow  will  suffer  from  retention  of  urine. 

It  is  very  evident  to  me  that  very  many  cases  of  inversion 
of  the  vagina  are  caused  by  indigestion ;  therefore  great  care 
should  be  exercised  in  feeding  cows  during  the  last  months  of 
pregnancy. 

LACERATION  OF  THE  VAGINA. 

This  is  an  accident  of  very  frequent  occurrence  among  cows 
yet  seldom  proves  fatal,  it  often  occurs  from  the  rough  manner 
sometimes  practised,  of  bringing  the  feet  forward,  therefore 
great  care  is  necessary  in  conducting  an  artificial  labor  to  a 
successful  termination.  The  following  case  of  extensive 
laceration  of  the  vagina  of  a  cow,  goes  to  show  the  potency  of 
nature  in  the  cure  of  disease  and  injuries :  — 

"  Mr.  J.  W.  Maw,  veterinary  student,  has  sent  us  the  fol- 
lowing particulars  relating  to  a  case  of  wilful  laceration  of  the 
vagina,  and  contiguous  parts  of  a  cow :  — 

"  Mr.  Crosby,  who  is  in  practice  at  Thornton  Pickering, 
Yorkshire,  as  a  veterinary  surgeon,  was  called  a  short  time  ago 
to  attend  a  milch  cow  which  presented  symptoms  of  colic.  On 
his  visiting  her,  he  observed  a  piece  of  stick  about  three  inches 
long  protruding  from  the  vagina,  and  on  removing  it  he  found 
ihat  it  was  about  a  yard  in  length,  and  had  been  thurst  through 
the  vagina  and  likewise  the  rectum  into  the  abdomen. 

"  Previous  to  its  removal  the  cow  did  not  evince  such 
symptoms  as  one  would  have  been  led  to  expect  in  an  animal 
suffering  from  such  a  severe  injury.  There  was  but  little  exter- 
nal hemorrhage,  the  symptoms  upon  the  whole  rather  indicating 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  195 

that  internal  hemorrhage  was  going  on.  Anodynes  were  ad- 
ministered, and  quietude  enjoined. 

^'  No  inflammatory  symptoms  supervened,  and  in  the  course 
of  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  the  animal  had  recovered. 

"  The  atrocious  act  is  supposed  to  have  been  perpetrated  by 
some  gypsies,  who  were  located  near  the  place  at  the  time, 
from  their  going  in  the  following  morning  to  beg  the  carcase, 
thinking  probably,  that  the  poor  animal  was  dead."  —  Veteri- 
narian, 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  UTERUS. 

Rupture  of  the  uterus  appears  to  be  a  very  formidable 
accident,  yet  many  animals  recover  from  the  same  without  any 
medical  treatment.  In  rents  of  this  kind,  some  persons  resort 
to  sutures,  but  really  they  are  not  admissible ;  they  are  only 
in  the  way  and  prevent  perfect  contraction  of  the  uterus.  A 
large  rent,  say  one  foot  in  length,  in  the  uncontracted  uterus  is 
diminished  to  very  small  proportions  when  the  uterus  contracts 
to  its  ordinary  size,  and  this  very  soon  heals  without  the  aid  of 
man,  provided  proper  attention  be  given  the  animal.  (See 
quotations  in  the  preceding  article.)  A  rupture  of  this  descrip- 
tion usually  occurs  either  from  violence  done  the  parts,  in 
extracting  the  foetus,  or,  by  the  violent  throes  of  the  foetus  itself 
or  else  by  excessive  uterine  action. 

ABORTION  IN  COWS. 

The  cow  is  the  most  liable  of  all  domestic  animals  to  abortion, 
and  those  that  have  once  been  the  subjects  of  this  mishap  are 
liable  to  a  recurrence  of  the  same.  Mr.  Youatt,  in  his  work  on 
cattle,  furnishes  some  very  useful  information  on  this  subject ; 
still  the  direct  causes  of  abortion  are  like  many  other 
enzootic  and  epizootic  affections,  involved  in  obscurity. 

That  it  occasionaly  rages  as  an  enzootic  pest,  is  clearly 
shown  by  the  records  of  the  past,  and  by  what  occurred  a  short 
time  ago  among  the  dairy  cows  of  a  milking  establishment,  at 


1^         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Concord  in  this  State,  without  mentioning  other  cases,  which 
of  late  have  been  chronicled  in  our  agricultural  periodicals. 

It  occasionally  appears  as  an  insolated  evil ;  an  Alderny 
cow  the  property  of  Mr.  Burnet  of  Southboro,  has  in  the 
course  of  three  years,  aborted  four  times  ;  at  the  time  of 
writing  this  article  my  attention  is  called  to  her,  I  recommend 
that  she  shall  be  spayed ;  the  owner  consents,  and  of  course  she 
will,  hereafter,  become  a  more  useful  animal  in  supporting 
other  offspring  than  her  own.  I  call  this  an  isolated  case, 
because  Mr.  B.,  informs  me  that  his  other  cows  have  not 
aborted.     She  inherits  a  tendency  to  abort. 

A  theory  has  been  broached,  by  some  writer  that,  severe 
winters  succeeded  by  warm  springs,  hilly  pasturage,  the 
practice  of  allowing  young  stock,  and  one  and  two-years-old 
bulls  to  run  with  the  breeding  cows,  is  likely  to  end  in  abortion. 
This  is  sheer  nonsence,  and  is  not  entitled  to  the  least  considera- 
tion ;  and  relying  on  the  intelligence  of  my  readers,  I  refrain 
from  offering  any  argument  in  view  of  controverting  evident 
absurdities. 

The  fact  is,  some  cows  will  abort,  no  matter  what  may  be 
the  nature  of  the  pasturage,  or  the  condition  of  the  atmosphere, 
and,  so  will  women  miscarry  occasonally,  in  spite  of  their  own 
precautions  and  the  advice  of  their  physicians  to  prevent  it. 

It  is  evident  therefore,  that  there  exists  in  the  animal 
economy  of  some  subjects,  peculiarities  of  constitution  termed 
idiocyncracies,  which  under  certain  circumstances,  and  on  the 
application  of  the  cause,  —  indirect,  —  develop  the  latent  path- 
ological fire,  and  thus  they  abort. 

"When  abortion  prevails  among  a  whole  herd  of  cows,  on  one 
man's  farm,  I  should  consider  it  as  enzootic,  arising  spontane- 
ously, afterwards  propagated  by  infection  or,  by  sympathetic 
influence;  Youatt  gives  a  quotation  whicli  favors  these  views. 
"  In  the  Leipsic  Agricultural  Gazette^  is  is  stated,  that,  *  by  an 
unheard-of  fatality,  the  abortion  of  cows  in  that  district  was 
almost  general,  and  that  after  the  most  anxious  search,  no 
assignable  cause  for  it  could  be  discovered,  nor  would  any 
medicine  or  medical  treatment  arrest  the  plague.' " 


THE    DISEASES    OP    CATTLE.  197 

I  shall  now,  in  a  brief  manner,  throw  out  a  few  hints  for  the 
consideration  of  dairymen  and  breeders,  in  view  of  the  adop- 
tion of  preventative  measures,  for  since  neither  "  medicine  nor 
medical  treatment "  can  arrest  the  plague,  our  only  hopes  of 
stopping  abortions,  which  in  this  country  are  alarmingly  on  the 
increase,  lies  in  the  practice  of  preventative  measures. 

A  very  objectionable,  and,  I  may  add  ruinous  practice  per- 
vails  at  some  milking  establishments,  of  keeping  the  cows  impreg- 
nated all  the  time,  the  mother  no  sooner  gets  through  the  pains 
and  perils  of  parturition,  than  she  is  again,  ofttimes,  compelled 
to  submit  to  a  re-impregnation ;  this  is  what  I  call  an  excessive 
use  of  the  reproductive  organs,  which  must  eventually  impair 
their  integrity. 

It  is  well  known  to  all  physiologists,  and  I  presume  that  the 
reader  must  have  some  knowledge  of  the  facts ;  viz.,  that  the 
uterine  organs,  like  those  of  digestion  and  respiration,  can  be 
overtaxed,  and  disease  in  some  form  or  other  is  very  apt  to 
occur  in  overworked  organs.  If  actual  disease  does  not  set  in, 
debiHty  of  function,  or  organ,  must  eventually  ensue. 

The  uterus,  like  various  other  organs  of  the  animal  econ- 
omy, must  have  periods  of  rest  or  the  day  of  reckoning  will 
surely  arrive. 

An  excessive  use  of  the  reproductive  organs  generally,  if 
not  always,  impairs  the  integrity  of  the  nutritive  organs,  and 
vice  versa  ;  hence,  if  a  cow  is  kept  pregnant  all  the  time  for 
the  unwise  purpose  of  making  her  yield  a  constant  supply  of 
milk,  it  should  not  appear  sti-ange  if  she  fall  otf  in  the  quantity 
of  milk,  appear  unthrifty,  be  off  her  feed,  and  have  a  glairy 
discharge  from  the  vagina;  these  are  the  symptoms  which 
usually  precede  abortion. 

I  lately  visited  an  imported  cow,  the  property  of  a  gentleman 
in  this  State,  who  informed  me  that  she  had  aborted  three  times 
at  about  the  seventh  month  of  her  pregnancy,  and  she  was  gen- 
erally put  to  the  bull  shortly  after  the  mishap.  I  told  him  that 
this  bad  practice  was  the  sole  predisposing  cause  of  the  trouble  ; 
for  the  short  space  of  time  which  occurred  between  the  pre- 
mature expulsion  of  the  foetus,  and  re-impregnation,  was  not 
17* 


198  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

sufficient  for  the  entire  recovery  of  tone  in  the  sexual  organs ; 
hence,  so  long  as  this  practice  continued,  his  cow  would  never 
go  her  full  time.  I  strongly  urge  the  necessity  of  spaying 
such  an  animal.  She  ought,  at  least,  to  be  separated  from  the 
breeding  cows,  and  her  fcetal  calf,  membranes,  and  placenta, 
should  be  burnt  in  the  open  ^ir,  for  there  is  no  safety  in  bury- 
ing them  a  few  inches  under  the  earth's  surface. 

It  is  very  probable  that  many  cases  of  abortion  occur  through 
a  deranged  condition  of  the  digestive  organs ;  therefore  the 
means  most  likely  to  prove  effectual  in  keeping  the  stomach  in 
a  healthy  state  should  be  adopted. 

What  an  immense  amount  of  labor  the  digestive  organs 
have  to  perform !  They  have  to  be  almost  constantly  engaged 
in  converting  the  elements  of  good  and  bad  food  into  chyme  and 
chyle,  and  they  must  not  slacken  much,  else  where  are  sixteen 
quarts,  more  or  less,  per  day  of  milk  to  come  from  ?  How  is 
the  foetus  in  utero  to  be  nourished,  and  the  wear*  and  tear  of 
the  cow's  organism  to  be  provided  for  when  the  stomach  is  not 
in  working  order  ? 

The  practice  of  milking  cows  to  within  a  short  period  of 
parturition,  is  highly  injurious,  yet  some  persons  with  whom  I 
have  had  conversations  on  this  subject,  contend  that,  in  some 
cases,  it  is  impossible  to  "  diy  the  cow."  I  advised  them  to  re- 
duce the  animals  food  th  less  than  one-half,  or  even  one-fourth 
if  necessary ;  in  fact,  there  would  be  no  harm  in  withholding 
food  altogether  for  a  short  time,  and  in  substituting  for  food 
a  dose  or  two  of  aperient  medicine.  Tiiis  course  must  neces- 
sarily soon  lessen  the  amount  of  blood  in  the  system,  and  as 
the  milk  is  concocted  from  the  blood  it  will  decrease  in  the 
same  ratio,  or  rather  be  essentially  lessened.;  and  in  view  of 
reducing  the  quantity  of  milk,  I  also  urge  the  necessity  of 
keeping  the  cow  on  a  small  quantity  of  water.  This  practice 
may  not  on  all  occasions  succeed  in  arresting  the  lacteal  secre- 
tion, still  it  is  the  qnly  rational  way  of  accomplishing  the 
object. 

Abortion  is  sometimes  attributed  to  a  debilitated  state  of  the 
animal ;    this   also  arises   from   a   derangement  of  the   stom- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  199 

ach  ;  then  an  opposite  mode  of  treatment  must  be  pursued, 
such  as  a  change  of  food  to  that  of  a  more  nutritious  character, 
and  the  frequent  administration  of  small  doses  of  ginger  and 
goldenseal. 

Breeding  cows  require  a  great  deal  of  care  and  some  watch- 
ing ;  careful  selection  of  the  right  kind  of  food  for  the  neces- 
sary wants  of  the  animal  and  her  foetus  in  utero  is  indispen- 
sable ;  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  can  be  expected  to  enjoy- 
good  health  on  a  diet  of  slops,  swill,  brewer's  grains,  cornstalks, 
rotten  potatoes,  frozen  turnips,  damaged  meal,  musty  hay,  or 
sotir  apples,  etc. 

Care  is  also  requisite  in  providing  for  the  animal's  wants  in 
regard  to  " watering"  This  is  a  subject  of  great  importance 
yet  very  few  husbandmen  give  it  that  attention  which  its  im- 
portance demands.  The  horrible  stagnated  stuff  found  in  some 
pastures  and  water-troughs,  which  the  thirsty  creatures  are 
compelled  from  sheer  necessity  to  imbibe,  is  surely  operative 
in  producing  very  many  unnecessary  diseases,  derangements, 
and  abortions. 

Some  Watching  is  Necessary.  —  A  cow  likely  to  abort, 
is  generally  "  off  her  feed,"  does  not  ruminate  according  to  her 
accustomed  activity ;  she  fails  to  yield  the  daily  quantum  of 
milk  ;  her  condition  is  noticed  to  be  unthrifty,  and  on  inspecting 
the  vagina  it  is  observed  to  be  the  seat  of  a  glairy  discharge. 
Such  an  animal  should  be  immediately  isolated  from  the  rest 
of  the  herd,  and  proceeded  with  as  above  directed. 

It  is  said  that  a  very  common  cause  of  abortion  is  sympa- 
thetic influence.     (See  "  sympathy,"  page  255. 

There  is  another  matter  of  some  importance  to  be  considered 
in  view  of  prevention :  I  allude  to  breeding,  and  I  refer  the 
reader  to  an  article  under  that  caption,  page  147.  It  is  my  opin- 
ion that  thousands  of  the  abortions  which  occitr  among  our 
domesticated  animals  in  this  country,  are  for  the  benefit  of  the 
several  races,  present  and  to  follow.  For,  if  the  offspring  of 
cows,  whose  systems  have  been  debilitated  by  a  too  early  use 
of  the  sexual  organs  ;  and  those  of  other  parents,  laboring 
mder   organic   disease,   malformation,   and    stunted   growth ; 


200         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

together  with  the  apology  of  offspring  of  cows  doomed  to  drag 
out  a  miserable  existence  in  some  horrible  "  swill-milk  estab- 
lishment," where  death  runs  riot,  or  runs  into  the  milk-pail  to 
kill  off  unnursed  infants  ;  these  being  permitted  to  come  into 
the  world  with  their  inherited  imperfections,  and  being  suffered 
to  grow  up  and  become  parents,  issuing  a  worse  edition  than 
the  original  copy  in  turn  —  these  bad  specimens,  not  o^  nature  s 
handiwork,  but  of  man's  ignorance  and  folly,  or  wilful  trans- 
gression of  the  law  of  nature,  being  permitted  to  live,  they 
would  be  so  many  libels  on  creative  power ;  and  in  order  to 
remove  them  from  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  put  a  check  on 
the  monstrous  evil,  a  friendly  pestilence  must  eventually 
ensue. 

This  would  be  a  mournful  event ;  for  many  valuable  animals 
might,  by  infection  or  contagion,  be  involved  in  the  general 
ruin ;  therefore  nature  adopts  the  lesser  evil ;  applies  the  law 
of  destruction  prior  to  the  birth  of  monstrosity. 

The  laws  of  reproduction  and  destruction  are  nicely  and 
wisely  balanced;  "thus  far  shalt  thou  go,  and  no  farther." 
The  offspring  of  weak,  emaciated,  ill-formed,  scrofulous,  con- 
sumptive, and  otherwise  defective  animals,  should  never  be 
used  for  breeding  purposes ;  in  fact,  they  are  not  even  fit  for 
the  butcher. 

Finally,  I  would  advise  breeders  to  let  the  female  get  her 
growth,  ere  she  is  forced  into  copulation ;  for  prior  to  maturity, 
all  the  energies  of  her  system  are  concentrated  upon  the  per- 
fection and  integrity  of  her  organism,  and  until  that  important 
period  arrives,  the  reproductive  system  cannot  be  exercised 
without  running  great  risk  of  violating  one  of  the  fundamental 
laws  of  nature.     (See  article  on  breeding,  page  147.) 

I  have  now  directed  the  reader's  attention  to  most  of  the 
causes  likely  to  influence  or  induce  abortion,  and  I  leave  the 
rest,  if  any  there  be,  to  be  discovered  by  their  own  experience. 
It  is  impossible  for  me  to  furnish  definite  instructions  as  regards 
the  treatment  of  individual  cases,  either  prior  or  subsequent  to 
abortion,  as  each  require  a  certain  course,  according  to  the 
condition  and  prevailing  symptoms ;  yet,  if  I  have  succeeded 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  201 

in  pointing  out  only  a  few  of  the  errors  which  prevail  in  our 
present  faulty  system  of  breeding  and  management,  and  have 
been  practical  enough  to  secure  the  reader's  attention  in  a 
perusal  of  this  article,  I  have  accomplished  more  than  I  ex- 
pected at  the  time  of  its  composition. 

INFLAMMATORY   AFFECTION    OF  THE    HIND  LIMBS 
AFTER  CALVING. 

vSome  cows,  after  calving,  suffer  from  an  inflammatory  affec- 
tion of  the  hind  limbs,  which  renders  them  lame,  or  they  are 
unable  to  use  the  parts  with  that  promptitude  which  charac- 
terizes the  physiological  condition,  or  state  of  health. 

The  limbs  are  generally  hot,  and  in  certain  localities,  are 
swollen,  and  the  general  health  of  the  animal  seems  to  be 
impaired,  yet  there  is  no  great  danger  attending  the  condition ; 
the  tumefaction  appears  to  consist  of  a  local  effusion  —  dropsy 
—  of  serum  into  the  cellular  tissue,  which  readily  disappears 
through  the  local  application  of  cold  water,  and  the  action  of 
the  calf  on  the  teats. 

The  attention  of  veterinarians  has  been  directed  to  this 
affection  by  Lecouturier  in  the  following  paragraph,  translated 
byMr.  Gamgee: — 

"A  few  days  after  parturition,  and  always  when  it  has  been 
normal,  a  difficulty  in  the  movements  of  the  hind  quarters  is 
to  be  observed ;  the  hocks  become  sensitive  ;  the  anterior  sur- 
face swells  up ;  the  synovial  capsule  is  disturbed ;  great  pain 
is  felt  at  the  slightest  touch,  accompanied  with  heat.  Then  the 
appetite  is  lost ;  the  secretion  of  milk  diminished  ;  pulse  quick 
and  strong ;  and  a  certain  amount  of  fever  sets  in.  The 
patient  eannot  lie  down,  and  still  is  not  safe  on  its  legs.  The 
writer  never  saw  the  affection  but  on  recently  calved  cows; 
never  after  the  ninth  day,  and  almost  always  from  the  fourth 
to  the  seventh.  This  disease  affects  generally  the  good  mother, 
and  is  of  a  most  benignant  nature.  A  friction  of  turpentine 
and  alcohol  is  sufficient  to  restore  to  health  in  most  cases ; 
otherwise,  brandy  and  soap.  When  the  fever  is  strong,  a  dose 
of  nitre  with  digitalis  is  useful. 


202         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

"  This  disturbance  is  always  of  a  benignant  nature,  and  is 
coincident  with  parturition,  as  the  parturient  fever,  and  a  serous 
diarrhoea,  which  occurs  from  the  second  to  the  third  day  after 
calving,  easily  checked,  and  never  lasting  more  than  twenty- 
four  hours." 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  URINARY  SYSTEM. 

The  primary  organs  of  the  urinary  system  are  the  kidneys 
—  two  avoid  conglomorate  bodies  of  a  purple  color,  located  in 
the  lumbar  region,  or  loins,  separated  from  each  other  by  the 
inferior  part  of  the  spinal  column ;  they  are  generally  imbedded 
in  adipose  tissue  denominated  suet. 

The  kidneys  are  the  great  emunctories  of  the  body,  are 
constantly  engaged  in  secreting  waste  and  morbid  fluids  from  the 
blood,  and  we  find  them  much  larger  in  cattle  than  in  horses. 
When  the  function  of  any  other  excretory  organ  is  impaired, 
an  extra  amount  of  work  is  in  store  for  them  to  perform.  In 
health  their  function  never  ceases,  a  constant  secretion  of  urine 
is  going  on  all  the  time ;  whether  the  animal  be  awake  or 
asleep  it  matters  not,  there  is  no  rest  for  the  kidneys.  On  cut- 
ting through  the  kidneys,  it  is  found  to  be  composed  of  two 
substances,  termed  cortical  and  medullary. 

The  kidneys  are  supplied  with  blood  by  the  emulgent  arte- 
ries ;  they  are  of  large  calibre,  and  furnish  a  large  quantity  of 
blood  from  which  the  urine  is  secreted.  Within  the  centre  of 
each  kidney  is  a  receptacle  known  as  the  pelvis,  which  ^'irmi- 
nates  in  a  funnel-shaped  outlet,  the  commencement  of  the 
ureter. 

The  emulgent  arteries  which  supply  the  kidneys  with  arterial 
blood,  are  derived  from  the  posterior  aorta  ;  they  subdivide  and 
ramify  into  the  substance  of  the  gland,  and  end  in  a  very  com- 
plex network.     The  emulgent  veins  are  much  larger  than  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  203 

arteries  ;  they  accompany  the  latter,  and  finally  converge  into 
one  trunk  and  terminate  in  the  posterior  vena  cava.  The 
nerves  of  the  kidneys  are  derived  from  the  renal  plexus. 

THE  URETERS. 

Each  kidney  is  connected  with  the  bladder  by  a  common 
dact  or  tube,  known  as  the  ureter;  these  ducts  are  much 
stronger  and  larger  than  those  found  in  the  horse  ;  they  are 
composed  of  two  tunics,  the  external  one  is  both  fibrous  and 
muscular  in  a  longitudinal  direction,  which  permits  it  to  con- 
tract and  extend  in  exact  ratio  as  the  bladder  contracts  when 
empty  and  expands  when  filled.  The  internal  membrane  is  of 
mucous  texture,  and  is  constantly  lubricated  with  a  mucous  se- 
cretion which  defends  it  against  the  irritating  qualities  of  the 
urine. 

THE  BLADDER. 

The  bladder  of  an  ox  is  much  larger  than  that  of  the  horse  ; 
it  is  a  musculo-membranous  sac,  or  bag,  and  is  located  within 
the  pelvis,  bounded  above  by  the  rectum,  and  below  by  the 
internal  surface  of  the  pubic  bones.  In  the  cow  we  find  the 
bladder  located  between  the  rectum  and  the  uterine  organs. 
The  bladder  has  a  transverse  ligament  inserted  into  the  lateral 
parts  of  the  pelvis  ;  it  has  three  coats  ;  one  is  derived  from  the 
peritoneum,  or  lining  membrane  of  the  abdominal  cavity  — 
which  gives  the  bladder  an  external  covering  —  the  middle 
coat  of  the  bladder  is  composed  of  muscular  fibres,  which  run 
in  longitudinal  and  circular  directions.  The  internal  mem- 
brane or  coat  is  more  highly  organized  than  the  others ;  it  is 
furnished  with  excretory  outlets,  from  which  issues  a  mucous 
secref^  i  for  its  own  protection.  The  bladder  is  divided  into 
fundus,  body,  and  cervix.  The  fundus  is  that  prominent  part 
which  faces  anteriorly  or  towards  the  intestines,  and  when  the 
bladder  is  full  of  urine,  it  protrudes  into  the  abdominal  cavity. 
The  body  is  the  bulky  or  capacious  part  generally  more  rounded 
when  full,  than  in  the  horse's  bladder.  The  cervix  is  the  neck 
or  contracted  part  of  the  bladder ;  it  is  surrounded  by  muscu- 


204         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

lar  fibres  that  involuntarily  contract,  so  as  to  close  the  passage, 
except  in  the  act  of  urinating.  Some  anatomists  consider  this 
muscle  as  a  distinct  one  in  the  horse,  and  have  given  to  it  the 
name  of  sphincter,  but  in  oxen  it  does  not  seem  to  be  a  dis 
tinct  muscle,  neither  does  it  contract  with  that  force  or  per 
sistency  which  is  known  to  occur  in  the  case  of  a  horse. 

THE  URETHRA. 

The  urethra  arises  from  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  extends 
from  it  to  the  end  of  the  penis ;  it  is  much  smaller  in  calibre 
than  in  the  horse ;  it  affords  a  passage  for  the  urine  and  sem- 
inal fluid. 

Interiorly  it  is  composed  of  mucous  membrane,  which  is  a 
prolongation  of  that  found  within  the  bladder.  > 

HJEMATURIA. 

Hasmaturia  signifies  voiding  of  blood  with  the  urine.  In 
cattle  raising  districts,  this  disease,  or  rather  the  symptoms  of 
one,  is  generally  known  by  the  term,  "jred  water,"  although  a 
very  marked  difference  exists,  between  hasmaturia,  and  mere 
discoloration,  or  reddened  appearance  of  the  urine ;  for  in  the 
former  case,  blood  globules  are  invariably  present  and  their 
presence  can  be  determined  by  procuring  a  sample  of  the  urine  ; 
after  letting  it  stand  for  a  short  time,  the  blood  coagulse  may  be 
detected  by  the  naked  eye,  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  in  which 
the  urine  is  caught. 

Causes  of  Hcematuria, — its  character  and  symptoms.  — The 
voiding  of  blood  with  the  urine  is  generally  supposed  to  be 
occasioned  by  some  violence,  such  as  local  injury  in  the 
lumbar  region,  calculi  within  the  ureters  or  the  bladder ;  from 
local  hemorrhage,  occasioned  by  congestion,  or  inflammation  of 
some  portion  of  the  urniary  organs.  Congestion  is  apt  to 
occur  in  over-fed  animals,  and  perhaps  is  an  effort  of  nature  to 
phlebotomize  the  subject  and  reduce  the  amount  of  circulating 
fluid,  and  thus  lessen  the  liability  to  accumulate  adipose  tissue. 

If  such  be  the  case  (the  patient  being  in  a  state  of  plethora), 
no  immediate  danger  is  to  be  apprehended ;  especially  is  this 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  205 

the  case  when  the  hemorrhage  is  merely  passive,  unac- 
companied by  symptoms  of  pain  either  at  the  time,  or  between 
the  periods  of  urinating.  A  case  of  this  character  might  very 
properly  be  termed  congestive  haematuria,  and  may  be  treated 
on  the  same  principles  which  prevail  in  the  practice  of  intelligent 
physicians  in  the  management  of  other  local  congestions.  Ne- 
phritis (inflammation  of  the  kidneys),  may  occasion  haematuria, 
and  is  almost  always  accompanied  by  sure  and  umistakable 
symptoms ;  viz.,  those  of  pain  and  irritation,  either  in  the  act, 
or  else  before  or  after  urinating.  It  may  be  diflBcult  to 
determine  what  is  the  exciting  cause  of  this  inflammatory  con- 
•  dition  ;  it  may  be  purely  idiopathic,  or  may  arise  from  the 
irritation  consequent  on  the  passage  of  urinary  calculi,  through 
the  parts  involved,  and  notwithstanding  there  are  certain  diag-. 
nostic  symptoms  attending  both  varieties,  still  the  medical 
attendant  (who  has  just  seen  the  case  for  the  first  time,)  may 
find  it  hazardous  to  venture  an  opinion  on  its  exact  pathology  ; 
yet,  he  shall  not  be  at  fault  in  treating  the  case  as  a  local,  inflam- 
matory affection.  If  it  can  be  shown  that  the  animal  has  been 
dosed  with  strong  diuretics,  and  no  hemorrhage  had  existed 
prior  to  their  administration,  but  is  now  quite  profuse,  we 
may  safely  conclude  that  the  hemorrhage  is  occasioned  by  the 
local  stimulus.  It  may  therefore  be  laid  down  as  a  general 
rule,  that  all  cases  of  haematuria,  attended  with  symptoms  of 
pain,  are  occasioned  by  the  irritation  of  some  foreign  body  acting 
on  some  part  of  the  secretory  surface  of  the  urinary  apparatus ; 
or  else,  is^the  result  of  some  external  violence,  and  it  is  the 
business  of  the  person  who  prescribes  to  carefully  consider 
these  matters,  in  view  of  forming  a  correct  diagnosis. 

Haematuria  does  occasionally  occur  in  nursing  women,  of  a 
plethoric  diathesis ;  at  the  period  of  weaning  the  infant,  the 
woman  notices  on  urinating,  that  the  fluid  is  tinged  with  blood, 
but,  as  the  act  is  unaccompanied  by  pain,  and  nothing  of  the 
kind  being  felt  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  she  feels  no  alarm 
about  it,  and  scarcely  if  ever,  consults  a  medical  man  on  the 
subject.  In  the  course  of  a  few  days,  all  things  being  favor- 
able, the  urine  assumes  its  natural  appearance ;  therefore,  if 
18 


206         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

haematuria  shall  appear  in  a  cow  at  the  period  of  "  drying  her 
up,"  as  the  saying  is,  or  if  a  cow  shall  be  observed  to  pass  blood 
in  the  urine,  at  the  time  of  weaning  the  calf,  and  neither  one 
nor  the  other  manifest  any  discernible  symptoms  of  pain,  nor 
any  perceivable  manifestations  of  derangement  in  the  vital 
functions,  there  will  be  n«  necessity  to  resort  to  any  very  active 
mode  of  medication,  and  an  intelligent  physician  would  merely 
recommend  a  mild  laxative,  light  diet,  and  a  little  nursing.  A 
few  doses  of  liquor  acetate  ammonia  might  be  indicated  as  a 
febrifuge ;  this  may  be  given  from  a  bottle. 

Should  the  owner  of  the  animal  be  unable  to  obtain  the  ser- 
vices of  a  professional  man,  let  him  prepare  some  flaxseed  tea 
(a  quart),  then  add  half  an  ounce  of  powdered  bloodroot,  after 
.which  let  the  animal  have  six  drachms  of  tincture  of  matico, 
diluted  in  a  small  quantity  of  water,  night  and  morning. 

Should  the  disease  be  traced  to  the  presence  of  urinary 
calculi  a  lithontriptic  will  be  indicated,  which  is  prepared  as 
follows :  — 

Muriatic  Acid, > 2  otinces. 

Water, 2  quarts. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Bloodroot, 3  ounces.    Mix. 

The  dose  is  one-eighth  of  the  above  quantity  per  day  (see 
urinary  calculi). 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Symptoms.  —  Cattle  affected  with  inflammation  of  the  kidneys, 
will  be  observed  to  have  some  slight  roaching  of  the  back,  that 
is  to  say,  instead  of  the  back  or  spinal  column  being  straight  or 
slightly  concave,  as  it  ought  to  be,  it  now  presents  a  convexity, 
or  in  other  words  is  arched  in  an  upward  or  superior  direction. 
The  arching  of  the  back  is  occasioned  by  tonic  spasms  of  the 
psoas  and  iliac  muscles,  located  above  the  kidneys  in  the 
lumbar  region.  These  muscles  are  known  to  butchers  as 
"  tenderloin." 

On  making  pressure  over  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  the 
animal  will  be  observed  to  flinch ;  the  parts  appearing  very 
tender  and  hot.     The  animal  is  generally  dull,  the  muzzle  dry» 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  207 

a  chilliness  of  the  horns  and  external  surface  is  observed  ; 
showing  very  clearly  that  there  is  an  unequal  circulation  of  the 
blood.  There  is  generally  some  difficulty  in  passing  the  urine,  the 
animal  strains  in  the  act  of  passing  it,  and  it  is  redder  than  usual. 
The  symptoms  vary  as  the  disease  progresses,  but  the  above 
are  the  principal  ones  on  which  the  diagnosis  must  be  founded. 
Treatment.  —  Drench  the  animal  with  sixteen  ounces  of 
glauber  salts  dissolved  in  a  quart  of  warm  water ;  then  apply 
warm  water  bandages  to  the  region  of  the  loins,  which  may  be 
retained  in  situ^  by  encircling  the  body  with  a  bandage.  An 
emollient  clyster  of  slippery  elm  should  occasionally  be  thrown 
into  the  rectum,  and  the  patient  should  be  drenched  with  four 
ounces  of  the  liquor  acetate  of  ammonia  every  six  hours,  until 
an  improvement  takes  place.  Then  give  tincture  of  matico  in 
in  half-ounce  doses,  night  and  morning,  until  the  patient  'u 
better. 

URINARY  CALCULI. 

Cattle  are  occasionally  the  subjects  of  urinary  calculi,  yet 
there  are  not  many  cases  of  the  kind  on  record,  and  during  a 
practice  of  fourteen  years  in  this  State,  the  author  has  never 
been  called  upon  to  prescribe  for,  nor  treat,  a  case  of  this  char- 
acter. This  testimony  is  diametrically  opposed  to  that  of 
Youatt  and  others.  Youatt  contends  that  "  concretions  are 
oftener  found  in  the  urinary  passages  of  cattle  than  of  the 
horse."  This  testimony  is  not  in  accordance  with  the  experience 
of  our  "  American  cousins."  In  England,  however,  cattle  may 
inherit  some  peculiarity  of  constitution,  which  causes  a  tendency 
to  the  formation  of  concretions,  or  perhaps  the  water  they  drink 
may  be  impregnated  with  alkalies,  so  as  to  induce  an  alkaline 
diathesis.  Urinary  calculi  are  generally  composed  of  car- 
bonate and  phosphate  of  lime,  carbonate  of  magnesia,  and  some 
animal  matter. 

Should  calculi  be  present  in  either  the  kidneys  or  ureters, 
they  are  sure  to  occasion  some  degree  of  pain.  The  urine 
will  be  reddened,  and  sometimes  blood  corpuscles  can  be 
detected  in  the  same ;  after  a  while,  some  muco-purulent  fluid 


208         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

will  be  discharged  with  the  urine.  In  this  stage,  it  might  be 
advisable  to  give  the  animal  one  ounce  of  acetic  acid,  in  six- 
teen ounces  of  water,  per  day,  to  be  continued  a  week  or  so. 
Should  the  general  health  be  impaired,  let  the  animal  have  a 
few  doses  of  the  following :  — 

Balmony,  or  Snakehead, 4  ounces. 

Carbonate  of  Soda, 2  ounces. 

Powder  of  Slippery  Elm, 3  ounces.    Mix. 

Divide  the  above  into  eight  parts,  and  give  one  every  night 
in  the  food. 

If  the  urine  has  a  bad  odor,  let  the  animal  have  half  an 
ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda  every  day  for  a  week.  This 
article  can  be  dissolved  in  the  ordinary  drinh 

CALCULI  IN  THE  BLADDER. 

A  stone  once  having  formed  in  the  bladder,  will  defy  all  our 
attempts  to  dissolve  or  decompose  it ;  yet  if  any  one  wishes  to 
try  the  experiment,  they  can  resort  to  the  use  of  muriatic  acid, 
sufficiently  diluted  with  water,  to  render  it  harmless  to  the 
animal  tissues  with  which  it  may  come  in  contact.  The  stone 
can,  however,  be  removed  by  the  operation  of  lithotomy,  which 
will  require  the  services  of  a  skilful  surgeon.  In  such  a  case, 
the  owner  may  possibly  decide  upon  slaughtering  the  animal, 
perhaps  this  is  the  best  thing  he  can  do. 

Symptoms  of  Stone  in  the  Bladder.  —  There  are  various 
symptoms  of  deranged  health  which  often  attend  stone  in  the 
bladder  ;  yet,  as  they  frequently  accompany  other  diseases,  and 
throw  no  special  light  on  this,  I  shall  take  no  notice  of  them, 
but  offer  something  brief,  yet  more  reliable. 

The  presence  of  a  stone  in  the  bladder  will  generally  occa- 
sion some  interruption  to  that  free  and  uniform  flow  of  urine, 
which  takes  place  in  a  healthy  animal  without  any  symptoms 
of  stone  in  the  bladder ;  consequently,  if  in  the  act  of  urination 
the  flow  of  fluid  is  suddenly  stopped,  to  commence  again  a  few 
moments  afterwards ;  at  the  same  moment  a  slight  trembling 
of  the  hind  limbs  is  observed,  and  the  animal  strains,  ineffect- 
ually, to  urinate,  only  passing  a  few  drops,  and  this  state  of 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  209 

things  has  existed  for  some  time  past,  we  may  safely  infer  that 
a  stone  exists  in  the  bladder. 

BLACK  WATER. 

A  discharge  from  the  urethral  outlet,  of  fluid  quite  black  in 
color,  very  frequently  indicates  a  grave  form  of  disease  existing 
in  the  liver ;  should  black  colored  matter  be  detected  in  the  urine, 
the  probabilities  are  that  the  animal  will  die ;  for  the  disease 
which  gives  rise  to  the  abnormal  discharge  is  probably  organic. 

In  some  cases  black  water  is  occasioned  by  engorgement  of 
the  liver,  spleen,  or  kidneys,  and  when  an  animal  dies  of  these 
engorgments,  we  find  the  capillary  veins  much  distended ;  and 
these  engorgments  frequently  occur  also  in  many  of  the  dis- 
eases of  an  epizootic  or  malignant  character.  Such  condition 
or  congestion,  is  owing  to  a  loss  of  equilibrium  in  the  circula- 
tion;  the  arteries  are  very  impressible  to  excitation,  and  hold 
out  their  physiological  actions  the  longest;  the  veins  being 
more  distensible  than  arteries,  the  blood  is  forced  into  the  ve- 
nous radicles  faster  than  they  can  absorb  it ;  hence  the  free 
egress  of  blood  is  retarded ;  the  result  is,  an  accumulation  of 
blood  distending  the  organs  or  veins,  producing  engorgements 
and  a  darkened  color  of  the  blood  and  tissues.  The  blood 
assumes  a  darkened  color  partly  from  delay,  and  partly  from 
deficient  pulmonary  absorption  and  aeration.  The  causes  of 
these  local  congestions  are  not  always  to  be  determined,  yet  they 
almost  always  receive  their  chief  force  from  a  morbid  habit 
pervading  the  general  system,  at  least  this  is  the  case  when  no 
local  disease  exists  to  account  for  them. 

Treatment  of  Black  Water.  —  The  principal  object  in  the 
treatment  of  black  water,  is  to  equalize  the  circulation  and 
decarbonize  the  blood;  diffusible  stimulants  and  nauseants, 
fulfil  the  first  indication,  and  ammonia  the  latter ;  therefore  I 
use  the  following :  — 

Fluid  Extract  of  Ginger, 1  ounce.  , 

"  "        Bloodroot, 4  drachms. 

Water, 1  quart. 

Spirits  of  Ammonia, 1  ounc«. 

18* 


210  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Mix  the  ingredients  in  the  above  order.  Give  one-eighth 
of  the  above  quantity  twice  daily.  Friction  on  the  external 
surface  with  a  good  stiff  brush,  will  prove  also  beneficial. 

If  the  darkened  color  of  the  urine  is  owing  to  functional 
derangement  of  the  liver,  which  may  be  known  by  the  brown 
and  yellow  color  of  the  membranes  of  the  mouth,  I  should  use 
the  following :  — 

Powdered  Podophyllum, 1  ounce. 

"         Hyposulphite  of  Soda, 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  divide  the  mass  into  six  parts ;  give  one,  night  and 
morning,  in  a  pint  of  water.  Grass,  if  it  can  be  obtained,  is 
the  best  food  for  such  a  patient. 

RED  WATER. 

The  changes  which  occur  in  the  color  of  urine  are  the  results 
of  various  causes.  In  a  preceeding  article  the  reader  is  in- 
formed that  haematuria,  —  voiding  of  blood  with  urine,  —  is 
traceable  to  certain  direct  causes,  hence  the  difficulty  is  of  an 
acute  character. 

Now  suppose  we  take  a  well  animal  as  a  subject  for  exper- 
iment ;  we  administer  repeated  doses  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre, 
or  tincture  of  juniper ;  the  first  thing  we  notice  is,  the  urine  is 
augmented,  or  rather  more  profuse  than  usual,  and  of  a  pale 
color ;  continue  the  medicaments  over  a  given  period  and  the 
urine  assumes  a  darker  color,  first  yellow,  next  brown  or  coffee 
color,  purple,  or  even  black ;  this  shows  conclusively  that  the 
color  of  the  urine  can  be  altered  by  the  use  of  medicinal 
agents ;  therefore,  if  a  reddened  appearance  of  the  urine  fol- 
low the  exhibition  of  strong  diuretics,  the  cause  is  plain 
enough  and  the  cure  is  effected  by  discontinuing  the  diuretic 
medicine,  and  in  restoring  the  equilibrium  of  action  which 
should  exist  among  the  various  excretory  organs.  Various 
kinds  of  food  are  also  operative  in  producing  changes  in  the 
color  and  quantity  of  the  urinary  secretion ;  beets  and  carrots 
when  "  fed  "  in  quantity  for  a  sufficient  length  of  time,  alter 
essentially,  the  color  of  the  fluids  of  the  body,  urine  included. 
As  regards  quantity^  musty  oats,  and  an  excess  of  stimulating 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  211 

food  are  notorious  causes,  in  explanation  of  augmented  and 
discolored  urinary  secretion. 

Discoloration  of  the  urine,  which  some  of  our  Western 
farmers  term  "  red  water,"  is  usually  occasioned  by  derange- 
ment of  the  liver,  and  other  parts  of  the  digestive  apparatus ; 
the  urine,  however,  is  more  likely  to  have  a  tinge  of  brown  or 
yellow  than  rec?,  and  therefore  several  writers,  Mr.  Youatt  in- 
cluded, have  termed  such  cases  "  chronic  red  water,"  and  they 
all  agree  that  such  an  affection  is  not  primarily,  one  of  the 
kidneys,  but  of  the  liver,  and  I  presume  that  the  "  red  water," 
which  prevails  among  cattle  in  the  West,  owes  its  origin  to  the 
same  causes  as  above ;  for  example :  A  friend  informs  me  that 
he  lost  a  valuable  cow,  "  which  died  of  red  water,"  and  that 
the  urine  was  of  a  "  yellow-brown  color,"  indicating  very 
clearly  that  the  animal  labored  under  an  affection  of  the  liver, 
and  in  view  of  dispelling  all  doubt  on  the  subject,  I  here  intro- 
duce a  short  paragraph  from  my  correspondent's  letter :  — 

"  On  skinning  the  animal  I  found  that  the  parts  beneath 
(subcellular  tissues)  had  a  yellow  appearance.  On  cutting 
open  the  abdomen,  I  noticed  that  the  liver  was  of  a  very  dark 
color,  and  appeared  to  be  filled  with  black  blood  ;  the  gall  blad- 
der was  very  large  and  appeared  darker  than  usual  ;  the  many- 
plies  (manyplus)  was  full  of  caked  food,  and  there  were  no 
appearances  of  disease  in  any  other  parts." 

Of  course  it  will  be  perceived  that  my  correspondent  was 
far  from  being  an  adept  in  the  art  of  autopsy,  however,  the 
appearances  which  he  has  described,  lead  us  to  the  necessary 
conclusion  that  the  so-called  red  water  (which  he  contends 
caused  the  death  of  his  cow)  was  the  result  of  functional^  per- 
haps organic,  disease  of  the  liver. 

Mr.  Youatt,  when  discussing  the  theory  of  the  pathology  of 
chronic  red  water,  offers  the  following :  "  Chronic  red  water  is 
more  prevalent  than  that  which  is  acute,  and  in  its  first  stage 
is  far  more  a  disease  of  the  digestive  organs  and  especially  of 
the  liver  than  of  the  kidney. 

**  The  urine  is  observed  to  be  of  a  brown   color,  or  brown 


212         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

tinged  with  yellow ;  the  beast  feeds  nearly  as  well  as  before, 
but  ruminates  rather  more  lazily.  In  a  few  days  a  natural 
diarrhoea  comes  on,  and  the  animal  is  well  at  once ;  or  a  pur- 
gative drench  is  administered  and  a  cure  is  presently  effected. 
This  occurs  frequently  in  cows  and  calves  of  weak  constitution. 

"  At  other  times  there  is  manifest  indisposition  ;  the  animal 
is  dull,  heavy,  languid  —  the  ears  droop,  the  back  is  bowed,  she 
separates  from  the  herd,  she  refuses  her  food,  she  ceases  to  ru- 
minate. Presently  she  gets  better ;  she  reijoins  her  compan- 
ions ;  but  this  is  only  for  a  little  while.  The  urine,  which  at 
first  was  brown,  with  a  tinge  of  yellow,  has  now  red  mingled 
with  brown,  or  it  is  of  the  color  of  porter.  It  is  increased  in 
quantity ;  it  is  discharged  sometimes  with  ease,  at  other  times 
with  considerable  straining — in  little  jets,  and  with  additional 
bowing  of  the  back.  The  milk  diminishes  ;  it  acquires  a  slight 
tinge  of  yellow  or  brown,  the  taste  becomes  unple  asant,  it  spoils 
all  that  it  is  mingled  with.  The  pulse  is  accelerated ;  it  reaches 
to  60  or  70.  If  blood  is  drawn,  the  serum  which  separates 
from  it  is  brown.  The  skin  is  yellow,  but  of  a  darker  yellow 
than  in  jaundice,  it  has  a  tinge  of  brown.  The  conjunctiva  is 
also  yellow,  inclining  to  brown.  The  urine  becomes  of  a 
darker  hue,  it  is  almost  black.  The  animal  usually  shrinks 
when  the  loins  are  pressed  upon  ;  occasionally  there  is  much 
tenderness,  but  oftener  the  beast  scarcely  shrinks  more  than  he 
is  accustomed  to  do  when  laboring  under  almost  every  disease. 
The  belly  is  not  so  much  tucked  up  as  drawn  together  at  the 
sides.  There  is  considerable  loss  of  condition ;  the  legs  and 
ears  get  cold ;  the  animal  is  less  inclined  to  move  ;  there  is  ev- 
ident general  debility.  In  every  stage  there  is  costiveness, 
arid  that  exceedingly  difficult  to  overcome,  but  on  close  inquiry, 
it  is  ascertained  that  there  was  diarrhoea  at  the  beginning,  and 
which  was  violent  and  fetid,  and  which  suddenly  stopped." 

Testimony  of  this  description  emanating  from  reliable  au- 
thority, is  entitled  to  our  consideration,  and  it  should  teach  us 
to  seek  for  the  cause  of  discolored  urine  beyond  the  region  of 
the  kidneys,  except  in  those  cases  which  are  evidently  the  re- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  213 

suits  of  the  action  of  diuretics  or  stimulants  in  the  form  of 
improper  food.  It  will  generally  be  found  that  discolorations 
in  the  urine  are  the  symptoms  of  a  disease  located  elsewhere, 
hence  the  disease  should  be  treated  instead  of  the  symptoms. 

If  the  disease  appears  to  be  located  in  the  liver,  indicated 
by  a  yellow  tinge  of  the  visible  surfaces,  dark  colored  faeces, 
yellow  tinge  of  the  urine  ;  the  animal  being  dull  and  sleepy, 
showing  symptoms  of  febrile  action,  it  may  be  proper  to  ad- 
minister a  dose  of  purgative  medicine,  combined  with  some 
agent,  calculated  to  restore  the  physiological  action  of  the 
liver,  and  I  therefore  recommend  the  following :  — 

Epsom  Salts, 12  ounces, 

Podophyllum  Peltatum  (mandrake), 2  drachms. 

Dissolve  the  salts  in  tepid  water,  one  pint,  then  add  the 
podophyllum,  and  then  administer  the  same  by  means  of  a 
"  drenching  horn,"  or  bottle. 

In  administering  medicine  to  cattle,  our  object  is  to  get  it 
beyond  the  rumen  or  paunch  into  the  digestive  compartment  of 
their  complex  stomach,  and  in  aiming  to  do  this  we  pour  the 
medicine  down  the  oesophagus  slowly. 

After  the  bowels  have  responded  to  the  action  of  the  med- 
icine, it  may  be  proper  to  administer  alteratives,  which  are 
linown  to  change  morbid  action ;  powdered  sulphur  and  man- 
drake may  be  given  in  small  doses,  not  sufficient  of  either  to 
keep  up  the  cathartic  action  of  the  salts,  but  merely  to  keep 
the  bowels  in  a  soluble  condition  for  a  day  or  two,  and  if  there 
be  any  danger  of  superpurgation,  neither  mandrake  nor  sulphur 
are  indicated.  In  such  case  I  should  give  an  occasional  dose, 
2  drachms,  of  powdered  goldenseal  (hydrastis  canadensis),  and 
the  same  quantity  of  carbonate  of  soda.  The  patient  should 
be  fed  sparingly,  and  if  the  season  permit,  a  run  in  the  pasture 
will  prove  beneficial. 


2U 


THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 


THE  HEART,  ITS  FUNCTION  AND  DISEASES. 


VIEW  OF  THE  INTERIOR  OF  A  BULLOCK'S  HEART.    For  explaiuition  see  p.  392. 

The  heart  is  a  wonderful  and  powerful  piece  of  muscular  mech- 
anism ;  its  function  is  of  the  involuntary  order,  so  that  regular 
contractions  and  expansions,  or  beatings,  occur  in  the  normal 
state,  without  the  knowledge  and  consent  of  the  animal ;  these 
contractions  and  expansions,  however,  can  be  modified  by  means 
of  various  medicinal  agents  which  act  upon  the  nervous  system, 
thus  producing  a  sort  of  mixed  action  —  voluntary  and  invol- 
untary. For  example;  all  medicines  known  as  sedatives 
operate  so  as  to  depress  the  heart's  action,  and  lessen  for  a 
given  period  the  number  of  its  pulsations ;  while  on  the  other 
hand  stimulants  augment  the  action  of  the  heart,  and  increase 
the  number  of  its  pulsations. 

The  average  weight  of  the  heart  of  an  ox  is  eight  pounds, 
yet  it  is  frequently  the  seat  of  fatty  degeneration,  when  its 
weight  and  bulk  is  then  materially  increased. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  215 

The  heart  is  anatomically  divided  into  four  cavities,  two  of 
which  being  in  a  superior  and  anterior  direction ;  and  in 
consequence  of  bearing  some  resemblance  to  the  ears  of  a  dog, 
are  termed  auricles.  These  cavities  known  as  right  and  left 
(or  rather  anterior  and  posterior),  are  divided  by  a  wall  or 
septum,  known  as  the  septum  auriculorum. 

The  right  auricle  is  the  receptacle  for  venous  blood,  and 
three  venous  trunks  terminate  in  it ;  viz.,  the  anterior  vena 
cava,  which  returns  the  venous  blood  from  the  anterior  extrem- 
ities, head  and  neck  —  next,  the  vena  cava  posterior,  which 
returns  the  venous  blood  from  the  posterior  parts,  and  lastly 
the  coronary  vein  ;  the  latter  returns  blood  which  has  circu- 
lated through  the  heart  itself  for  its  own  nourishment.  A  con- 
siderable quantity  of  dark  venous  blood  is  generally  found  in 
this  auricle  after  death,  and  it  opens  into  the  right,  or  anterior 
ventricle,  by  an  aperture  denominated  the  auriculo-ventricular 
opening,  yet  in  consequence  of  a  valvular  contrivance  within 
the  ventricle,  the  blood  cannot  recede  into  the  auricle. 
.  Internally,  the  right  auricle  is  lined  by  a  glistening  vascular 
membrane  having  on  various  parts  of  its  surface  small  mus- 
cular eminences,  termed  musculi  pectinati ;  the  small  cavities 
which  occur,  in  consequence  of  this  arrangement,  are  termed 
cul-de-sacs.  The  right,  or  venous  ventricle,  is  also  lined  by  a 
nicely  organized  membrane  and  has  beneath  it  several  muscular 
prominences  named  camcB  columnce.  which  give  origin  to  as 
many  tendinous  slips,  these  are  known  as  cordm  tendince,  they 
are  inserted  into  a  fibrous  membrane  in  the  region  of  the 
auriculo-ventricular  opening,  and  then  get  the  name  (membrane 
included)  valvula  tricuspis.  The  lateral  contractions  of  this 
ventricle  are  aided  by  small  tendinous  cords  having  muscular 
origins  from  the  wall  and  septum.  The  venous  blood  passes 
from  this  cavity  into  the  pulmonary  tissues  of  oxygenation, 
through  the  pulmonary  artery,  which  emerges  from  the 
superior  part  of  the  ventricle.  At  the  commencement  of  the 
pulmonary  artery  are  found  three  valves  termed  semilunar, 
their  function  is  to  guard  against  a  retrogade  movement  of  the 


216         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

blood,  SO  that  it  has  no  other  channel  than  this  which  leads  to 
the  lungs. 

The  left  auricle^  has  scarcely  any  anatomical  or  structural 
differences  than  those  observed  in  the  right,  although  its  cavity 
is  smaller,  and  its  walls  are  somewhat  thicker  than  those  found 
on  the  right,  it  receives  the  blood  from  the  lungs,  after  purifica- 
tion, by  means  of  the  pulmonary  veins,  which  have  four  openings 
into  this  cavity,  two  proceeding  from  the  right,  and  two  from 
the  left  lobes.  The  left,  or  arterial  ventricle  is  the  reser- 
voir for  arterial  blood ;  which  is  destined  to  re-animate, 
replenish,  and  perpetuate  the  vital  economy  ;  having  a  vastly 
more  important  function  to  perform  (which  requires  augmented 
muscular  mechanism),  than  its  duplicate  found  on  the  right  side ; 
the  thickness  of  its  walls,  must  therefore  necessarily,  exceed 
those  of  the  right ;  this  is  found  to  be  the  case,  so  that  the 
outer  wall  of  this  is  about  three  times  as  thick  as  that  found  on 
the  other  side,  and  this  guide  is  useful  to  us,  in  determining,  at 
sight,  after  the  heart  is  detached  from  the  body,  which  is  the 
left  ventricle  and  vice  versa. 

The  channel  of  communication  between  the  left  auricle  and 
ventricle  is  named  as  is  the  case  on  the  opposite  side,  auriculo- 
ventricular  opening ;  it  is  furnished  however  with  only  two, 
instead  of  three,  valvular  openings  termed  valvula  hicuspis  or 
mitralis. 

This  ventricle  is  one  of  importance  for  our  consideration  from 
the  fact  of  the  great  aorta  —  the  plastic  hose,  which  seldom  if 
ever,  requires  cobbling  or  repair — here  originating.  Its  margin 
or  outlet,  is  guarded  by  a  complete  set  of  valves,  three  in  number, 
termed  semilunar,  similar  to  those  found  at  the  origin  of  the 
pulmonary  artery.  This  ventricle  is  divided  from  the  one  on 
the  opposite  side  by  a  muscular  and  tendinous  partition  termed 
septum  ventriculorum. 

Form,  situation,  and  attachment  of  the  heart.  —  Its  form 
describes  that  simulating  a  cone  having  a  body,  base,  and  apex ; 
its  base  being  in  a  superior  direction,  it  follows  as  a  matter  of 
course,  that  its  apex  has  an  inferior  insertion  downwards  and 
backwards. 


THE   DISEASES    OF  ANIMALS.  217 

Situation.  —  The  heart  lies  in  the  region  occupied  by  the 
fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  dorsal  vertebras,  right  in  the  central 
region  known  as  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  Its  apex  is  inclined  to 
the  left  side. 

It  appears  that  in  the  ox,  the  heart  differs  in  construction 
from  that  of  the  horse,  in  the  following  peculiarities.  There  is 
a  bone  found  in  the  heart,  termed,  os  cordis,  the  function  of 
which  has  never  been  explained  ;  yet  it  is  evidently  intended 
for  some  useful  purpose,  perhaps  to  give  strength  and  durability 
to  the  sanguinous  force-pump.  Next  we  notice  some  difference 
in  the  internal  mechanism  of  the  right  ventricle;  there  are 
several  fleshy  bands  running  across  from  side  to  side  which 
prevents  abnormal  dilatation,  for  taken  as  a  whole,  the  venous 
system  of  the  bovine  species  is  more  developed  than  in  the 
horse,  the  veins  are  larger  and  more  numerous,  and  more  blood 
is  constantly  accumulating  in  the  right  auricle  and  ventricle  — 
hence  the  need  of  additional  muscular  mechanism. 

THE  HEARTS  FUNCTION. 

The  blood  having  gone  the  rounds  of  the  circulation,  enters 
the  anterior  or  right  cavity  —  auricle  —  it  then  passes  into  the 
venous  or  right  ventricle  ;  by  the  contraction  of  this  ventricle 
the  blood  is  forced  through  the  pulmonary  arteries  into  the  lungs, 
there  having  undergone  certain  changes  (which  have  been  al- 
luded to  in  another  part  of  this  work),  it  returns  by  the  pulmo- 
nary veins  to  the  left  auricle,  from  thence  it  descends  into  the 
left  ventricle.  The  contractions  of  the  left  ventricle  force  the 
blood  into  the  great  aorta  —  anterior  and  posterior  —  which 
gives  rise  to  a  numerous  set  of  arteries,  through  which  chan- 
nels the  blood  reaches  the  extreme  parts  of  the  system. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART. 

Diseases  of  the  heart  in  cattle  are  very  common,  yet  they 

frequently  elude  detection  simply  because  the  symptoms  are 

very  obscure.     Mr.  Gamgee  contends  that  the  most  common 

cause  of  diseases  of  the  heart  in  cattle,  is  the  passage  of  needles 

19 


218         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

and  other  foreign  bodies  from  the  reticulum  through  the  dia- 
phragm ;  at  the  same  time  he  alludes  to  many  drawings  in  his 
possession  of  polypi  in  the  heart,  growing  from  the  auriculo- 
ventricular  valves ;  also  to  drawings  of  deposits  beneath  the 
endocardium  —  lining  of  the  heart's  cavity  —  of  tumors  also- 
outside  the  heart,  consisting  in  masses  of  cysts,  and  due  to  the 
development  of  hydatids  of  the  echinacoccus  veterinorum. 

DILATATION  OF  THE  HEART. 

The  heart  is  often  the  seat  of  dilatation,  or  amplifications  of 
one  or  more  cavities,  with  attenuation  of  the  walls  of  the  same. 
This  dilatation  is  supposed  to  arise  from  the  mechanical  effect 
of  over  distention. 

The  causes  of  dilatation  are :  deficient  power  in  the  heart  in 
proportion  to  that  of  the  system ;  this  may  be  acquired  or  it 
may  be  congenital ;  all  obstructions  also  to  the  circulation, 
whether  situated  in  the  orifices  of  the  heart,  or  in  the  aortic  or 
pulmonary  systems,  may  induce  this  dilatation. 

Symptoms  of  dilatation  of  the  heart, —  The  pulsations  are 
feeble  and  oppressed,  and  on  moving  the  animal  about  he  be- 
comes distressed ;  the  pulse  is  soft  and  feeble  ;  languor  in  the 
arterial  circulation,  as  shown  by  the  congested  state  of  the 
mucous  surfaces.  The  respiration  is  somewhat  affected,  not 
primarily,  but  through  the  intervention  of  irregular  nervous 
action.  The  jugulars  are  engorged,  and  various  parts  and  or- 
gans of  the  body  are  congested,  and  the  surface  and  extremities 
are  below  the  natural  temperature. 

Treatment  of  dilatation.  —  The  principal  object  should  be  to 
improve  the  general  health,  by  alteratives  and  tonics ;  the  sur- 
face of  the  body  should  be  kept  warm,  and  often  rubbed,  so  as 
to  excite  capillary  action,  this  will  also  have  the  effect  of  re- 
lieving the  venous  congestions.  Any  hygienic  measures  re- 
garding both  diet  and  management,  which  common  sense  may 
suggest,  will  certainly  do  good  ;  pure  air,  for  example,  is  abso- 
lutely needed  to  vitalize  the  blood  as  it  tardily  courses  the 
veins  ;  without  such  there  is  very  little  chance  of  restoring  the 
animal. 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  219 

The  alteratives  and  tonics  may  be  prepared  as  follows :  — 

Powdered  Iodide  of  Potassium, 1^  scruples. 

"        Goldenseal, 1  drachm. 

Dissolve  the  potassium  in  a  pint  of  water,  then  add  the,  gold- 
enseal.    This  may  be  given  daily  for  a  week  or  more. 

THE  PERICARDIUM  AND  ITS  DISEASES. 

The  pericardium  is  a  membranous  bag  that  surrounds  the 
heart ;  it  is  known  to  butchers  as  the  heart-bag,  and  is  attached 
to  the  sternum,  diaphragm,  and  to  the  roots  of  the  large  blood- 
vessels at  the  base  of  the  heart.  It  is  composed  of  two  layers 
united  by  cellular  tissue ;  the  external  one  is  composed  of 
fibrous  tissue,  the  internal  one  is  a  smooth  serous  membrane, 
similar  to  that  which  lines  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  This  serous 
membrane  is  studded  by  numerous  vessels  called  exhalents, 
from  these  issue  a  vapor  of  fluid,  the  purpose  of  which  is  to 
guard  against  friction.  The  insertions  of  the  pericardium  are 
such  that  it  confines  the  heart  in  its  proper  situation,  and  aids 
in  sustaining  a  reciprocal  action  between  the  heart  and  lungs. 
It  is  often  the  seat  of  a  disease  known  as  Pericarditis, 

PEfllCARDITIS. 

This  disease  consists  of  inflammation  of  the  pericardium,  the 
causes  of  which  are  supposed  to  be  nearly  the  same  as  those 
of  pleurisy  or  inflammation  of  other  serous  membranes ;  viz., 
sudden  impressions  of  cold  on  the  external  surface,  violence, 
etc.  A  special  cause  has  also  been  assigned  for  this  disease  ; 
viz.,  the  penetration  of  the  pericardium  by  foreign  bodies,  such 
as  nails,  needles,  wire,  etc.,  coming  from  the  interior  of  the 
stomach,  working  their  way  through  it  into  the  former. 

Symptoms  of  pericarditis.  —  There  is  considerable  increase 
in  the  force  of  the  heart's  pulsation  ;  the  jugular  veins  are  en- 
gorged —  larger  than  usual  —  and  an  undulating  movement  is 
observed  in  them.  There  will  be  acute  inflammatory  fever, 
generally  preceded  by  rigors,  shivering,  and  coldness,  the  vis- 
ible surfaces  of  the  nostrils  and  eyes  are  highly  reddened  in  the 
early  stages,  and  rumination  has  ceased  with  loss  of  appetite ; 


220         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the  animal  occasionally  directs  its  head  near  the  region  of  the 
heart,  and  if  pressure  be  made  on  the  sternum  —  breast  bone 
—  it  elicits  distressing  symptoms.  As  the  disease  progresses 
the  jugulars  increase  in  volume,  the  pulse  becomes  feeble,  and 
an  oedematous,  or  dropsical  state  of  the  lower  parts  of  the 
thorax  sets  in ;  this  latter  feature  indicates  that  a  considerable 
quantity  of  fluid  is  present,  both  in  the  pericardium  and  thorax. 
In  this  stage  the  case  is  incurable. 

In  the  early  stage  of  pericarditis,  the  treatment  should  be 
about  the  same  as  that  recommended  for  acute  pulmonic,  and 
pleuritic  affections.  Iodide  of  potassium,  in  doses  of  twenty- 
five  grains  per  diem,  may  prove  serviceable,  and  some  form 
of  diuretic  medicine  may  also  be  exhibited  to  increase  the  action 
of  the  kidneys  ;  so  soon  as  the  patient  shows  signs  of  amend- 
ment, tincture  of  matico,  in  ounce  doses,  may  be  given  twice 
daily  until  the  patient  has  fairly  recovered. 

The  London  Veterinarian  publishes  the  following  case, 
furnished  by  surgeon  Lepper  :  — 

"  I  herewith  send  you  what  I  think  is  a  rare  specimen  of  a 
diseased  heart,  with  its  investment,  which  was  taken  from  a 
cow  of  the  short-horn  breed,  about  seven  years  old,  the  prop- 
erty of  Mr.  Bliss,  of  Windmill  Hill,  Waddesdon. 

"  On  the  fourth  day  after  calving  she  was  noticed  to  fail  in 
her  appetite,  and  her  milk  also  became  greatly  diminished  in 
quantity.  In  walking  across  the  yard  she  staggered  and  fell. 
She  laid  for  some  considerable  time,  when  with  difficulty  she 
got  up  and  walked  to  a  shed,  where  she  soon  laid  down  again. 
It  was  in  this  condition  that  I  first  saw  her.  The  expression 
of  her  countenance  did  not  materially  differ  from  that  of  a 
healthy  animal.  The  bowels  w^ere  regular  in  their  action; 
the  pulse  did  not  exceed  fifty  beats  in  the  minute,  and  was  soft 
and  full.  On  the  left  side  of  the  chest  there  was  an  emphy- 
sematous swelling,  extending  over  four  or  five  of  the  middle 
ribs  and  about  eight  or  ten  inches  wide.  On  auscultating  the 
chest  I  could  not  discover  any  unusual  sound  in  the  respiratory 
action;  the  breathing  also  was  regular.  The  jugular  veins 
were  filled  to  repletion,  so  as  to  be  observable  when  standing 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  221 

by  the  side  of  the  animal ;  a  state  of  things  which  I  have 
invaribly  found  to  exist  in  effusion  into  the  pericardium,  and 
especially  if  much  fluid  is  present.  I  felt  satisfied  that  this 
was  a  case  of  this  description,  and  consequently  formed  an  un- 
favorable opinion  as  to  the  issue.  To  relieve  the  distended 
vessels,  I  took  away  eight  or  ten  pounds  of  blood,  and  gave  a 
slight  purgative,  which  appeared  to  aftord  temporary  relief. 

"  For  two  or  three  days  the  appetite  improved,  and  the  cow 
appeared  to  move  with  greater  freedom  and  less  pain.  On  the 
sixth  day  after  my  first  visit  she  suddenly  relapsed,  and  died 
on  the  seventh.  - 

"  This  animal  had  for  some  time  past  wasted  in  flesh,  but  as 
her  general  appearance  was  healthy,  little  notice  was  taken  of 
it.  It  is  surprising  that  she  should  have  gone  on  so  well  as  she 
did  with  so  extensive  disease  of  the  heart,  As  to  the  nature 
of  the  affection  I  shall  offer  no  remarks,  but  leave  this  to  be 
explained  by  you." 

The  following  remarks  are  added  hj,  the  editor  of  the  above 
named  journal.  "  This  was  but  another  of  several  specimens 
which  we  have  received  from  time  to  time,  in  which  the  ex- 
ternal surface  of  the  heart  was  covered  with  layers  of  effused 
and  partially  organized  fibrine.  The  pericardium  was  thickened 
to  three  times  its  natural  substance,  and  within  it  was  contained 
several  ounces  of  colorless  serous  fluid.  The  effused  fibrine 
hung  in  grapelike  appendages  from  the  base  of  the  heart,  each 
of  which  had  a  floculent  condition.  These  bodies  were  devoid  of 
color,  and  had  altogether  such  aa  appearance  as  would  lead  us 
to  doubt  whether  the  effusions  resulted  from  active  inflammation. 
The  muscular  substance  of  the  organ  and  its  internal  lining 
membrane  were  alike  free  from  organic  change.  A  similar 
specimen  was,  a  few  years  since,  laid  by  us  before  the  Patho- 
logical Society,  and  will  be  found  published  in  the  record  of  its 
proceedings." 

The  following  case  which  occurred  in  the  practice  of  Mr. 
Williams,  may  also  prove  interesting  and  instructive  to  the 
reader. 

"On  the  16th  of  June,  I  was  requested  by  Mr.  Thomas 
19* 


222         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Tatum,  Gwemafield,  to  attenc^a  cow  of  his.     Her  history  he 
gave  as  follows :  — 

"  She  has  been  unwell  since  she  calved,  three  weeks  ago. 
The  foetal  membranes  were  not  expelled  for  a  fortnight  after 
the  evenf,  and  they  came  away  piecemeal  in  a  state  of  putres- 
ence.  Her  appetite  has  been  very  capricious  all  along,  and 
her  bowels  rather  costive.  A  discharge  of  white  matter  has 
taken  place  from  the  vagina  for  the  last  week  or  so.  She 
gives  but  little  milk.  The  breathing  is  tranquil,  and  she  does 
not  cough.  She  has  a  peculiar  stare  in  the  countenance,  and 
takes  a  great  deal  of  notice  of  every  thing.  On  inspection  I 
found  her  as  the  owner  had  stated ;  the  symptoms,  to  a  casual 
observer,  being  any  thing  but  indicative  of  extensive  organic 
changes,  but  more  of  general  debility  after  parturition ;  she 
was  rather  emaciated.  On  closer  examination,  I  found  the 
mucous  membranes  to  be  rather  pallid ;  the  mouth  cool  and 
moist ;  the  temperature  of  the  body  but  slightly  below  the  nat- 
ural standard,  and  equal  over  all  parts  of  the  body  ;  the  pulse 
very  weak,  beating  96  in  the  minute,  and  regular ;  the  breath- 
ing only  very  slightly  hurried.  After  advancing  thus  far  in 
my  examination,  I  must  confess  that  the  case  fairly  puzzled 
me,  and  I  was  inclined  to  look  on  it  as  one  of  general  debility 
and  leucorrhoea.  But  as  the  discharge  from  the  vagina  was 
very  slight,  I  thought  it  could  not  be  the  sole  cause  of  the  loss 
of  appetite  and  other  symptoms  present.  I  now  auscultated 
the  chest,  and  on  applying  my  ear,  the  respiratory  murmur 
was  heard  distinct  and  natural,  but  I  thought  a  little  increased 
at  the  anterior  portion  of  both  sides.  On  auscultating  the 
region  of  the  heart,  I  failed  to  detect  the  sounds  of  that  organ, 
and  on  still  further  examination,  both  the  sounds  and  the  im- 
pulse were  indetectible.  This  struck  me  as  being  curious,  but 
on  account  of  the  regularity  of  the  pulse  I  did  not  consider 
either  the  heart  or  its  membranes  to  be  the  seat  of  disease,  and 
treated  the  case  as  one  of  general  debility,  loss  of  appetite  and 
leucorrhoea.  The  animal  lingered  for  about  four  weeks  more, 
the  symptoms  remaining  nearly  the  same  as  at  the  time  when  I 
first  examined  her,  with  the  exception  of  increased  emaciation. 


THE   DISEASES   OP   CATTLE.  223 

"  The  post-mortem  revealed  anaemia,  the  tissues  being  exceed- 
ingly pale  and  sodden,  the  blood  in  the  vessels  scanty  and  pale, 
and  scarcely  staining  the  fingers.  The  abdominal  viscera 
were  healthy  with  the  exception  of  the  liver  which  was  con- 
gested. The  gall-bladder  was  distended  with  dirty,  lemon-col- 
ered  bile,  of  thin  consistence,  and  seemingly  containing  a  large 
amount  of  mucus.  On  opening  the  cavity  of  the  thorax,  the 
pericardium  was  seen  distended  to  an  enormous  extent,  filling 
the  floor  of  the  cavity,  and  adherent  to  the  sternum  and  pleura 
costalis  by  a  thick  layer  of  exuded  lymph,  this  having  no  ap- 
pearance of  organization,  but  seemingly  consisting  of  a  shape- 
less basis-substance,  easily  separated  from  the  parts  it  was  in 
contact  with.  The  cavity  of  the  pericardium  contained  at  its 
inferior  part,  about  two  pints  of  a  fetid,  wheylilte  fluid.  With 
the  exception  of  that  part  which  contained  this  fluid,  the  cavity 
was  obliterated  by  exudation,  matter  about  two  inches  in  thick- 
ness surrounding  and  glueing  together  the  visceral  and  parietal 
surfaces  of  the  pericardium.  The  heart  itself  was  flabby,  pale, 
and  its  cavities  contained  a  small  amount  of  blood,  of  the  same 
thin  consistence  as  that  in  other  parts  of  the  body.  The  endo- 
cardium was  healthy.  The  lungs  presented  no  appearance  of 
disease  ;  they  were  pale,  excepting  in  the  parts  lyin  g  undermost 
after  death.  The  pleurae,  excepting  where  they  were  involved 
in  the  pericardiac  disease,  presented  no  abnormal  appearance. 
The  thoracic  and  abdominal  cavities  contained  a  little  fluid. 

"Reflecting on  the  appearance  presented  by  the  pericardium, 
by  its  being  adherent  through  the  accompanying  pleuritis  to 
the  walls  of  the  thorax  and  sternum,  and  by  the  heart  itself 
being  thus  in  a  manner  bound  down  and  fastened  by  a  thick 
layer  of  plaster,  and  elastic  material  existing  between  it  and 
the  ribs,  I  was  satisfied  that  the  absence  of  the  sounds  of  im- 
pulse was  due  to  these  pathological  changes,  and  not  as  I  had 
foolishly  supposed  to  general  debility.  But  before  giving  pub- 
licity to  this  opinion  I  thought  it  better  to  wait  for  more  proof. 

"September  4th,  1857, 1  was  called  to  attend  a  cow,  the  prop- 
erty of  W.  Gregg,  Esq.,  Syntroll,  Mold.  I  had  attended  her 
in  May  previous,  for  '  retention  of  the  foetal  membrane.'    She 


224         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

seemed  to  be  very  languid  and  depressed  for  some  days  before 
and  after  the  removal  of  these  ;  but  as  she  fed  pretty  well,  I 
was  not  requested  to  prescribe  for  her.  She  had  given  milk 
freely  all  the  summer,  but  had  not  appeared  so  lively  as  she 
ought  to  be ;  she  seemed  as  well  as  usual  on  the  evening  of  the 
3d  of  September.  On  the  morning  of  the  4th  her  quantity  of 
milk  was  diminished.  On  examination  I  found  her  wet  and 
cold  from  the  rain  of  the  previous  night,  standing  *  all  of  a 
heap;'  head  depressed  and  ears  pendulous;  mouth  and  nose 
cold,  breathing  tranquil,  the  bowels  costive,  pulse  100,  very 
feeble  but  regular ;  the  mucous  membranes  slightly  tinged  yel- 
low. Auscultation  failed  to  detect  the  sounds  of  the  heart,  and 
the  palpitation  was  absent.  I  pronounced  the  case  to  be  one 
of  pericarditis,  and  that  exudation  had  taken  place  to  some 
extent,  also  that  congestion  of  the  liver  existed,  this  being  sec- 
ondary, and  owing  to  the  feebleness  of  the  circulation. 

"  The  treatment  consisted  in  the  administration  of  purgatives 
and  stimulants.  Counter-irritants  were  also  applied  to  the 
sides,  and  as  the  case  advanced  tonics  were  given.  But  noth- 
ing seemed  to  affect  the  pulse  :  it  remained  feeble  throughout, 
and  it  was  only  a  few  days  before  death  that  irregularity  was 
detected. 

"On  Friday,  September  18th,  diarrhoea  set  in,  and  on  the 
21st,  (Edematous  swellings  appeared  in  different  parts  of  the 
body,  but  more  especially  on  the  dewlap  and  fore  parts.  On 
the  23d  she  dropped  down  and  died  without  a  struggle. 

"  All  throughout,  this  animal  exhibited  the  same  watchful  state 
as  observed  in  Case  I,  and  the  appetite  was  very  capricious  in- 
deed. One  day  she  would  feed  pretty  well,  then  again  she 
would  not  touch  anything  for  days.  The  bowels  were  very  ir- 
regular, and  on  account  of  rumination  being  suspended,  the  food 
passed  through  her  in  a  half-masticated  state. 

"  The  post-mortem,  four  hours  after  death,  revealed  general 
anaemia  of  the  subcutaneous  and  muscular  tissues,  these  being 
seemingly  in  a  broken-down  condition.  The  blood  in  the  veins 
was  pale  and  thin.  The  abomasum,  small  intestines,  and  liver, 
were  congested ;  but   even  here    the   blood  was  of  the   same 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  225 

watery  character  as  in  other  parts.  The  gall  bladder  was  dis- 
tended with  thin,  lemon-colored  bile.  The  thoracic  cavity  con- 
tained rather  a  large  amount  of  clear  serum.  The  pericardium 
was  distended  by  a  layer  of  lymph,  about  two  inches  in  thick- 
ness glueing  together  its  two  surfaces,  and  containing  near  the 
apex  of  the  heart  nearly  a  pint  of  dirty,  whey-colored  fluid,  of  a 
fetid  odor.  The  lymph  was  easily  removed  from  the  heart,  and 
between  it  and  the  muscular  tissue  of  the  organ,  was  a  layer  of 
cartilaginous  substance,  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  thickness 
covered  by  a  serous  glistening  membrane.  Toward  the  apex 
of  the  heart  this  had  formed  bands  of  connection  between  the 
two  surfaces  of  the  pericardium,  but  in  all  other  parts  it  was 
confined  to  the  visceral  pericardium  only.  The  lungs  were 
slightly  congested.  The  pleurae  was  as  described  in  the  former 
case." 

HYPERTROPHY  OF  THE  HEART. 

Hypertrophy  signifies  augmentation  —  thickening  of  the 
muscular  substance  of  an  organ,  resulting  from  increased  nutri- 
tion. It  generally  occurs  in  animals  of  the  sanguine  tempera- 
ment, of  vigorous  health,  their  muscles  being  much  harder 
and  firmer  than  usual;  in  such  animals  the  blood  is  rich,  and 
nutrition  is  very  active.  I  have  often  visited  our  market  in 
this  city,  for  the  purpose  of  inspecting  the  hearts  of  slaughtered 
oxen,  and  I  have  observed  that  hypertrophy  generally  occurs 
in  the  left  ventricle ;  sometimes  its  walls  are  thickened,  the 
cavity  retaining  its  natural  dimensions ;  occasionally  the  cavity 
is  dilated  and  the  wall  thickened,  but  in  the  majority  of  cases 
the  walls  ace  thickened  and  the  cavity  diminished ;  this 
constitutes  the  disease  known  as  true  or  concentric  hypertrophy 
—  enlargement. 

This  disease  when  moderate  and  uncomplicated,  is  not  pro- 
ductive of  much  inconvenience  to  the  bovine  species,  whose 
motions  are  slow,  yet  occurring  in  a  horse  it  would  produce 
much  inconvenience,  and  render  the  animal  almost  useless  for 
speed. 


22 G         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

Symptoms  of  hypertrophy.  —  A  person  unacquainted  with 
the  heart's  sounds,  will  find  it  impossible  to  diagnose  a  disease 
of  this  character,  in  fact,  such  a  disease  will  sometimes  defy  the 
scrutiny  of  experts.  A  deadened  sound  is  always  heard  when 
the  ear  of  a  person  is  applied  to  the  region  of  the  heart,  yet 
this  depends  somewhat  on  the  form  of  the  disease,  its  complica- 
tions, the  nature  and  intensity  of  the  exciting  causes  and  the 
condition  of  the  patient.  On  applying  the  finger  to  the  pulse 
at  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  or  on  the  temporal  artery  it  will  appear 
that  the  circulation  is  embarrassed. 

Treatment,  —  No  rules  can  be  laid  down  for  the  treatment 
of  this  affection,  and  the  only  agent  of  any  value  is  iodine,  or, 
iodide  of  potassium.  It  is  possible,  however,  that  in  a  case  of 
this  character,  the  butcher  may  prove  to  be  the  best  doctor. 

ENDOCARDITIS. 

Endocarditis  is  an  inflammatory  affection  located  in  the 
membrane  within  the  heart.  It  is  a  rare  disease  among  cattle, 
yet  very  frequently  occurs  among  horses. 

Symptoms.  —  Like  all  inflammatory  conditions,  this  is 
attended  with  heat  about  the  base  of  the  horns  ;  hot  and  fever- 
ish mouth,  vitiation  of  the  secretions,  cessation  of  rumination  ; 
some  degree  of  suffering  of  a  peculiar  character  not  noticed  in 
any  other  affection.  The  pulse  is  violent,  abrupt,  strong,  full, 
and  may  range  up  to  eighty ;  every  motion  the  animal  makes 
accelerates  the  respiration ;  yet  the  lungs  show  no  signs  of 
disease.  On  examining  the  heart  after  death,  its  internal 
membrane  is  thickened  and  appears  of  a  dark  purple  color ; 
clots  of  extravasated  blood,  are  also  present  on  its  internal 
surface. 

Treatment.  —  Administer  a  cathartic  drench,  about  sixteen 
ounces  of  glauber  salts  in  a  couple  of  quarts  of  tepid  water;  then 
give  half  an  ounce  of  powdered  nitrate  of  potassa  in  a  litth 
water,  every  four  hours,  until  the  force  of  the  pulse  is  essentially 
lowered ;  in  the  mean  time  administer  an  occasional  clyster 
of  salt  and  warm  water. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  227 

This  disease  has,  occasionally,  a  rheumatic  origin  ;  so  that 
if  an  animal  be  taken  suddenly  with  inflammatory  muscular 
lameness  assuming  the  form  of  rheumatism,  shifting  from  one 
limb  to  others,  and  then  it  leaves  the  regions  of  its  first 
attack  and  goes  to  the  heart,  I  should  resort  to  wine  of 
colchicum  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two  drachms  per  day, 
in  addition  to  the  above  remedies. 

The  heart  is  subject  to  various  other  diseases,  among  them 
sarcomatous  growths  projecting  from  the  au  riculo -ventri- 
cular valves:  fatty,  and  true  degeneration  of  the  heart;  cysts 
and  abcesses  in  the  substance  of  the  heart ;  ossifications, 
etc.,  etc.  These  and  kindred  diseases  always  terminate 
fatally,  therefore  I  shall  not  trouble  the  reader  with  any  fur- 
ther remarks  on  these  subjects. 


•       DISEASES  OE  THE  EYE  AND  ITS  MEMBRANES. 

DESCKIPTION  OF  THE  EYE. 

The  eyes  of  oxen  are  frequently  the  seat  of  various  forms 
of  disease,  hence  it  is  necessary  that  the  farmer  should  know 
something  of  their  wonderful  mechanism ;  I  therefore  propose 
to  give  a  description  of  the  same. 

The  eye  is  protected  by  a  bony  casing  known  as  the  orbit, 
which  appears  to  be  much  stronger  than  that  found  in  the  horse ; 
in  the  interior  part  we  find  a  large  quantity  of  fatty  matter 
which  acts  as  a  soft  cushion  for  the  eye  to  repose  on,  and  at 
the  same  time  as  the  fatty  matter  accumulates,  it  gives  promi- 
nence to  the  eye  and  increases  the  range  of  vision. 

HUMORS  OF  THE  EYE. 

The  humors  of  the  eye  are  named  aqueous,  chrystalline,  and 
vitreous  —  three  in  number.  The  aqueous  humor  fills  the  in- 
terval between  the  cornea  and  chrystalline  lens,  and  is  sur- 


228         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

rounded  by  a  capsule  of  its  own,  on  the  inner  surface  of  which 
is  secreted  the  aqueous  humor  ;  the  uses  of  this  limpid  fluid 
appears  to  be,  to  transmit  the  rays  of  light  and  permit  free  mo- 
tions of  the  iris ;  the  fluid  is  frequently  evacuated  and  repro- 
duced. 

Chrystalline  Lens.  —  These  are  situated  in  a  concavity  be- 
hind the  aqueous  humor,  and  anterior  to  the  vitreous,  opposite 
to  the  pupil ;  in  appearance  it  resembles  a  chrystal,  or  lens  of 
magnifying  glass,  and  is  composed  of  concentric  lamellae,  and 
these  of  radii.  Its  form  is  spherical,  yet  the  posterior  surface 
is  more  convex  than  the  anterior.  Like  the  other  humors  of 
the  eye  it  is  enveloped  in  a  capsule,  and  the  disease  known  as 
cataract,  consists  of  altered  structure,  in  the  lens  or  its  capsule  ; 
sometimes  both  are  involved.  Acids,  alcohol,  and  boiling  wa- 
ter convert  it  into  an  opaque,  solid  body,  resembling  the  white 
of  an  egg  when  boiled.  The  function  of  the  chrystalline  lens 
is  to  concentrate  the  rays  of  light  so  as  to  form  a  distinct  image 
on  the  interior  of  the  eye. 

Vitreous  Humor.  —  This  jellylike  substance  derives  its 
name  from  its  glassy  appearance  ;  it  occupies  the  posterior 
concavity  of  the  globe  of  the  eye,  known  as  the  "  dark-cham- 
ber." It  fills  the  membranes,  aids  to  maintain  the  form  of  the 
eye,  and  keeps  the  chrystalline  lens  at  a  proper,  and  physio- 
logical distance  from  the  retina.  Anatomists  have  hitherto 
failed  in  detecting  any  signs  of  vascularity  in  the  vitreous 
humor. 

COATS  OF  THE  EYE. 

\st.  Tunica  Conjunctiva.  —  This  membrane  is  very  highly 
organized,  lines  the  eyelids,  and  is  reflected  over  the  anterior 
part  of  the  eye-ball ;  it  covers  the  region  known  as  the  pupil, 
yet  is  pervious  to  the  rays  of  light.  Previous,  however,  to 
being  reflected  over  the  globe,  it  gives  a  covering  to  the  mem- 
brana  nictitans,  carunculae  lacrymale,  and  puncta  lachrymalia. 

2nd.  Tunica  Sclerotica.  —  This  tunic  is  made  up  of  fibres, 
which  are  very  dense,  yet  elastic ;  it  constitutes  what  is  com- 
monly known  as  the  "white  of  the  eye,"  extends  from  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  229 

junction  of  the  optic  nerve  with  the  globe,  to  the  cornea,  and 
more  than  any  other  tunic  of  the  eye  tends  to  preserve  its 
form.  It  also  affords  attachment  for  most  of  the  muscles  of 
the  eye,  the  retractor  and  four  recti. 

Bd.  Cornea.  —  This  is  a  dense  and  compact  membrane, 
yet  composed  of  laminated  structure,  which  accounts  for  the 
opacity  or  "  filmy  "  obscurity  so  often  encountered  in  veterinaiy 
practice;  for,  in  a  physiological  condition  of  the  eye,  the  laminae 
are  compact,  like  a  house  newly  shingled  ;  but,  in  consequence 
of  untoward  circumstances,  a  leak  occurs,  a  watery  exudation 
then  sets  in.  The  cornea  may  be  considered  as  the  shield  that 
protects  the  eye,  yet  in  consequence  of  its  transparency,  it  is 
also  operative  in  the  production  of  vision. 

4:th.  Iris. —  This  is  the  movable  curtain  of  the  eye,  adapts 
the  eye  to  vision,  possesses  the  property  of  contraction  and  ex- 
pansion ;  in  its  centre  is  a  perforation  commonly  known  as  the 
pupil.  The  dimension  of  the  pupil  depends  entirely  on  its 
conti-action  and  dilatation  ;  in  a  very  dark  barn  (provided  the 
eye  be  in  a  healthy  condition),  the  pupil  will  be  very  much  di- 
lated ;  in  a  barn  well  lighted  the  pupil  will  be  quite  small. 
The  iris  is  a  fibro-muscular  membrane,  abundantly  supplied 
with  blood-vessels  and  nerves,  and  coated  with  a,  substance 
known  as  uvea  which  is  derived  from  the  pigment.  The  arte- 
ries of  the  iris  come  from  the  ciliary,  its  nerves  are  derived 
from  the  ciliary. 

5th.  Choroid  Coat.  —  This  coat  or  membrane  lies  beneath 
the  sclerotica ;  it  extends  from  the  optic  foramen  to  the  ciliaiy 
edge  of  the  cornea ;  both  of  its  surfaces  are  coated  with  pig- 
mentj  which  absorb  the  rays  of  light ;  the  outer  coating  is  en- 
tirely black ;  the  inner  one  is  a  mixture  of  black  and  green, 
which  lines  the  posterior  half  of  the  dark  chamber. 

Qth.  The  Retina.  —  This  is  the  third  or  inner  coat  of  the 
eye  ;  it  is  a  delicate,  transparent  membrane,  highly  vascular ; 
the  principal  part  of  it,  probably,  consists  of  an  expansion  of 
the  optic  nerve  ;  it  is  the  part  on  which  the  object  of  vision  is 
depicted.  It  is  supplied  with  blood  by  branches  from  the  cen- 
tral artery  of  the  retina. 
20 


230  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

MUSCLES  OF  THE  EYE  AND  EYELIDS. 

The  first  muscle  which  attracts  our  attention  on  removing 
the  palpebral  integument,  is  the  orbicularis  palpebrarum ;  so 
named  from  the  spherical  or  circular  arrangement  of  its  mus- 
cular fibres.  It  is  inserted  into  the  orbital  ])ortion  of  the  ungis 
and  OS  frontis,  to  the  palpebral  ligament,  and  to  the  skin  of  the 
lids.     Its  use  is  to  shut  the  eyelids. 

Levator  palpehrce  Superioris. — The  action  of  this  muscle 
is  to  corrugate  and  draw  the  lid  upwards ;  it  is  located  above 
the  orbit  and  is  attached  to  the  forehead  by  means  of  an  apo- 
neurotic expansion,  and  is  inserted  into  the  upper  eyelid,  its 
muscular  fibres  being  blended  with  those  of  the  preceding 
muscle.  Its  action  is  to  raise  the  upper  eyelid,  in  which  action 
it  is  aided  by  the  levator  palpebrae,  internus. 

Next  we  find  four  muscles  known  as  recti ;  viz.,  Levator 
oculi,  depressor  oculi,  abductor  oculi,  adductor  oculi ;  they  are 
inserted  into  the  cavity  of  the  orbit,  and  external  part  of  the 
sclerotica  at  points  equi-distant  from  each  other.  The  action 
of  these  four  muscles  are  as  follows  :  The  levator  raises  the 
eyeball  in  a  superior  direction ;  the  depressor,  as  its  name  in- 
dicates, depresses  the  eyeball ;  the  abductor  turns  the  eyeball 
from  the  axis  of  the  body  outwards ;  and  the  adductor  rotates 
the  eyeball  inwards,  or  towards  the  axis  of  the  body. 

The  three  remaining  muscles,  making  seven  proper,  to  the 
eye,  are  named,  obliquus  superiora  et  inferiora,  and  retractor 
oculi.  The  obliquus  superioria,  is  found  in 'the  upper  part  of 
the  inner  cavity  of  the  orbit;  is  attached  to  the  margin  of  the 
optic  foramen  ;  at  the  inner  canthus  of  the  eye,  it  passes  through 
a  fibro-cartilaginous  pulleylike  arrangement,  by  which  means 
the  eyeball  is  rotated  in  an  oblique  direction  upwards  and  out- 
wards. 

Obliquus  Superioria. — This  muscle  is  found  beneath  the 
eyeball,  in  the  front  and  lower  part  of  the  orbit,  it  is  attached 
to  the  OS  unguis,  and  to  the  lower  and  outer  part  of  the  sclero- 
tica at  its  junction  with  the  transparent  part  of  the  globe.  Its 
action  is  antagonistic  to  that  of  the  preceding  muscle. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  231 

The  seventli  and  last  muscle  to  be  described,  is  the  retractor; 
it  is  one  of  the  most  admirably  arranged  muscles  in  the  whole 
animal  economy ;  in  figure  it  resembles  a  hollow  cone ;  its 
apex  turned  backwards ;  its  base  pointing  forwards,  the  inner 
edge  surrounding  the  optic  foramen,  and  at  the  same  time 
offering  protection  to  the  optic  nerve.  Around  its  sides,  equi- 
distant, are  found  the  four  recti  muscles,  making  a  very  com- 
plex and  wonderful  piece  of  mechanism.  The  action  of  this 
muscle  is  to  draw  the  eye  backw^ards  within  the  orbit. 

I  shall  now  make  some  brief  yet  instructive  allusions  in 
relation  to  the  appendages  of  the  eye.  The  appendages  com- 
prise the  eyelids,  eyelashes,  tarsal  cartilages,  meibomian  glands, 
membrana  nictitans,  lachrymal  glands,  caruncula  lachrymalis, 
puncta  lachrymalia,  lachrymal  sac,  and  ductus  ad  nasum. 

Eyelids.  —  The  upper  and  lower  eyelids  may  be  considered 
as  the  .movable  blinds  of  the  eye ;  the  upper  is  the  most 
capable  of  corrugation,  and  borders  the  greatest  surface  of  the 
eyeball ;  it  is  readily  resolved  into  wrinkles.  At  the  junctures 
of  the  aperture  which  separates  the  eyelids,  are  the  canthi  or 
angles  of  the  eye.  The  loose  portion  of  integument  entering 
into  the  composition  of  the  upper  lid,  is  derived  from  the  skin 
covering  the  frontal  region ;  and  that  of  the  lower  lid  is  derived 
from  the  face.  -The  lids,  internally,  form  two  cavities,  thus 
adapting  themselves  to  the  convexity  of  the  globe  ;  their  in- 
ternal surfaces  are  lined  with  the  tunica  conjunctiva.  The 
borders  of  the  eyelids  have  two  margins ;  on  the  outer  one 
we  find  eyelashes;  betw'een  the  latter  and  the  internal  margin, 
we  find  the  orifices  of  the  ciliary  glands  through  which  issue 
a  secretion,  for  the  lubrication  of  the  surrounding  parts.  The 
edge,  or  surface  between  the  two  margins  just  alluded  to,  con- 
duct the  tears  into  the  puncta  lachrymalis. 

Eyelashes.  —  The  eyelashes  {cilia),  are  so  familiar  to  the 
reader,  and  their  function  is  so  apparent,  that  I  need  not  trouble 
them  with  any  remarks  about  them,  only  to  observe,  that  by 
their  advantageous  arrangement,  the  rays  of  light,  come  from 
whatever  direction  they  may,  are  somewhat  intercepted,  and 
they  also  operate  as  feelers  to  the  seeing  as  well   as  the  sight- 


232         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

less  animal,  and  warn  him  of  his  proximity  with  bodies  that 
he  cannot  immediately  perceive. 

Tarsal  Cartilages.  —  These  fibro-cartilaginous  substances, 
are  found  at  the  ciliary  margins  of  the  upper  and  lower  lids; 
they  possess  firm  and  thick  ciliary  margins,  yet  grow  thin  as 
they  recede  from  the  cilia ;  in  consequence  of  their  close  con- 
nection with  the  rim  of  the  orbit,  they  are  called  by  some 
anatomists,  "tarsal  ligaments,"  their  function  is  to  give  some 
degree  of  firmness  to  the  eyelids,  or  the  soft  parts  of  the  same, 
and  they  also  preserve  the  physiological  curvature  of  the  eye- 
lash. 

Ciliary  or  Meibomian  Glands.  —  On  inverting  the  eyeljds  of 
a  horse,  and  carefully  running  the  eye  over  the  borders  of  the 
lids,  within  the  grooves,  occurring  in  the  concave  part  of  the 
tarsal  cartilages,  we  perceive  through  a  very  fine  tunic  or 
membrane,  a  number  of  opaque  sacs,  having  a  minature  canal, 
capable  of  penetration  by  a  small  body  equal  in  calibre  to  the 
point  of  a  common  needle.  They  are  evidently  glandular 
bodies,  and  therefore  have  excretory  ducts,  which  pour  out  the 
necessary  lubricating  material  to  prevent  the  agglutination  of 
the  lids. 

Membrana  Nictitans.  —  This  cartilaginous  body,  so  shaped 
as  to  adapt  itself  to  the  convexity  of  the  eyeball,  and  the  con- 
cavity of  the  eyelid,  is  found  at  the  inferior  canthus.  In  horses 
it  is  known  as  the  "haw,"  and  in  certain  districts  where  the 
light  of  veterinary  science  never  shines,  a  simple  tumefaction 
of  the  nictitans  is  known  under  the  unmeaning  epithet  of 
"  hooks,"  and,  unfortunately,  the  poor  uncomplaining  brute  has 
to  submit  to  an  operation  more  barbarous  than  that  performed 
with  the  scalping  knife  of  the  merciless  Indian,  who  glories  in 
the  possession  of  a  white  man's  scalp.  The  function  of  this 
membrane  is  to  aid  in  the  removal  of  foreign  bodies  from  tlie 
globe  of  the  eye,  hence  it  answers  the  purpose  of  a  third  eyelid. 

Lachrymal  Gland.  —  This  gland  lies  underneath  the  process 
of  bone  known  as  the  orbital  arch ;  it  is  covered  by  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  orbit.  It  is  a  gland  of  the  conglomerate 
class,  being  composed  of  many  lobules ;  these  lobules  are  com- 


THE     DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  233 

posed  of  granules,  from  which  spring  the  excretory  ducts,  and 
thej,  by  inter-union,  from  a  set  of  tubes  which  terminate  on 
the  conjunctiva  of  the  upper  lid.  The  office  of  this  gland  is  to 
secrete  the  tears,  which  run  into  the  ducts,  and  are  then  poured 
on  the  conjunctiva. 

Canmcula  Lachrymalis  —  At  the  inferior  canthus  of  the. 
eye,  between  the  eyeball  and  eyelids,  is  seen  a  small  black  tu- 
bercle, called  the  caruncula  lachrymalis ;  it  is  not  a  secretory 
organ,  but  appears  to  be  placed  there  for  the  mechanical  pur- 
pose of  directing  the  tears  into  the  puncta  lachrymalis. 

Lachrymal  Puncta  and  Conduits. — The  puncta  are  two 
small  orifices,  seen  in  the  inner  margins  of  the  lids  at  the  root 
of  the  caruncle  ;  they  are  the  openings  of  two  canals  found 
within  the  substance  of  the  lids,  termed  lachrymal  conduits ; 
they  terminate  in  the  lachrymal  sac. 

Lachrymal  Sac.  —  The  lachrymal  sac  is  a  funnel  shaped 
membranous  bag,  lodged  in  close  proximity  with  the  lachrymal 
foramen.  This  sac  serves  as  a  reservoir,  into  which  the  tears 
flow  from  the  lachrymal  conduits  ;  the  lachrymal  sac  terminates 
in  the  ductus  ad  nasum. 

Ductus  ad  Nasum.  —  The  office  of  this  duct  is  to  conveyN 
away  the  tears  as  fast  as  they  are  collected  within  the   lacliry- 
mal  sac  ;  the  duct  terminates  at  the  inner  and  inferior  part  of 
the  nostril.     It  is  formed  by  a  prolongation  of  the  membrane 
which  enters  into  the  composition  of  the  lachrymal  sac. 

GLASS  EYE.— (Guito  5ere/ja.) 

Glass  eye  —  gvtta  serena  or  amaurosis — is  an  abnormal 
condition,  which  consists  of  dilatation  of  the  pupil  uninfluenced 
by  the  ordinary  stimuli,  light  and  darkness,  and  occurs  in  con- 
sequence of  accidental  or  permanent  paralysis  of  the  optic 
nerve  and  its  ultimate  expansion,  the  retina. 

Animals  of  an  excita]>le  nervous  temperament  often  become 

the  subjects  of  this  affliction,  as  a  temporary  pathological  con_ 

dition ;  yet   that  form   of   amaurosis  occurring  among  fat   or 

plethoric  subjects  whose  digestive  organs  are  either  deranged 

20* 


234         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

or  occupied  with  a  mass  of  imperfectly  digested  food,  the  pa- 
tients bordering  on  that  peculiar  condition  known,  as  it  occurs 
in  the  equine  species  as  "  stomach  staggers,"  can  easily  be  ex- 
plained on  the  universal  law  of  sympathy  which  pervades  the 
animal  organism. 

I  may,  however,  assign  an  indir'ect  cause  for  its  occurrence 
in  the  eyes  of  excitable  and  nervous  animals;  for  this  very 
condition,  apparently,  and  truly  pathological,  which  gives  rise 
to  the  excitability,  perhaps  goes  far  to  show  that  the  brain  is 
the  seat  of  functional  derangement,  and  this  functional  difH- 
culty  may  have  its  origin  in  a  deranged  condition  of  the  stom- 
ach or  liver. 

Amaurosis  can  be  easily  produced  by  administering  a  few 
doses  of  extract  of  belladonna.  This  is  a  mere  artificial  state 
of  the  retina  (pupil),  which  only  continues  while  the  animal  is 
under  the  influence  of  the  narcotic.  This  amaurotic  vState  of 
the  eye  is  also  observed,  during  certain  stages  of  the  etheriza- 
tion, and  disappears  as  soon  as  the  animal  has  recovered  from 
the  effects  of  the  same. 

Our  principal  authority  on  the  subject  of  amaurosis  is  Per- 
cival ;  he  contends  that  it  may  proceed  from  some  disease  of 
the  retina  itself,  or  from  some  abnormal  condition  of  the  optic 
nerve  or  brain ;  or  it  may  prove,  as  he  says,  the  last  link  of  a 
series  of  morbid  phenomena,  originating  in  some  remote  part 
of  the  body,  operating  sympathetically  on  the  nervous  system 
and  through  it,  extending  to  the  eye. 

We  occasionally  meet  with  cases  which  may  be  termed  sym- 
patlietic  amaurosis ;  occasioned  by  congestion,  tumors,  or  hydro- 
cephalus (serum  within  the  verticles  of  the  brain),  each  one  of 
these  pathological  conditions  requires*  special  treatment,  with 
very  little  chances  of  success. 

Symptomatic  amaurosis  may  be  the  sequence  of  cranial  frac- 
ture and  consequent  depression  ;  here  the  skill  of  a  surgeon  is 
called  into  requisition  ;  he  must  trephine  in  the  uninjured  region 
of  the  cranium,  in  order  to  elevate  the  depressed  and  fractured 
parts  and  thus  remove  the  pressure. 

Amaurosis  is  frequently  associated  with  the  anaemia ;  now 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  2oO 

anagmia  is  a  condition  of  the  body  which  indicates  deficiency  or 
impairment  of  the  integrity  of  the  blood.  The  remedy  is  good 
carbonaceous  food,  and  a  few  doses  of  the  following,  to  be  mixed 
with  the  food:  — 

Phosphate  of  Lime, 6  ounces. 

Powdered  Ginger, 2  ounces. 

Poplar  Bark, 4  ounces. 

Mix,  and  divide  the  mass  into  eight  parts.  Give  one  part 
every  night.  Amaurosis  arising  from  over  distention  or  a  dis- 
ordered condition  of  the  stomach,  ceases  so  soon  as   the  cause 

is  removed. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

Oplithalmia,  or  inflammation  of  the  eye,  is  quite  a  common 
affection  among  neat  stock.  It  frequently  occurs  without  any 
assignable  cause,  except  the  concentration  of  morbid  action,  or 
morbid  material,  in  the  tissual  membranes.  It  is  always  at- 
tended with  more  or  less  pain,  tenderness,  and  tumefaction, 
and  the  tears  being  secreted  faster  than  they  can  be  carried 
through  the  ductus  ad  nasum,  flow  over  the  lower  lid.  This 
simple  diseased  condition  differs  from  what  is  known  as  spe- 
cific, or  periodical  ophthalmia ;  there  is  no  constitutional  dis- 
turbance to  be  noticed,  nor  symptomatic  fever,  and  the  affection 
appears  to  be  confined  to  the  conjunctivial  membrane  only. 

The  treatment  should  commence  by  giving  the  animal  a  dose 
of  glauber  salts;  which  consists  of  twelve  ounces  of  salts  dis- 
solved in  one  quart  of  tepid  water ;  the  action  of  this  medicine 
will  be  to  remove  morbid  matter  from  the  system.  The  eye 
should  be  carefully  fomented  with  a  warm  infusion  of  hops ; 
after  which,  lay  a  piece  of  wetted  rag  over  the  eye  and  fasten 
it  to  the  horns.  I  could  name  many  favorite  local  applications 
— lotions — for  the  disease  in  this  stage,  but,  in  my  opinion, 
cold  water  surpasses  them  all.  The  food  should  consist  of 
scalded  shorts;  the  animal  to  be  kept  quiet  in  comfortable 
quarters. 

FOREIGN  BODIES  IN  THE  EYE. 
If  an  animal  should  suffer  in  consequence  of  irritation  and 


23G         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

tumefaction  of  (he  lids  of  one  eye,  and  a  little  pus,  or  matter, 
can  be  detected,  the  probability  is  that  some  foreign  body,  such 
as  a  piece  of  hay,  straw,  or  dirt,  has  insinuated  itself  between 
the  ball  and  eyelid,  and  has  become  lodged  there  ;  in  a  case 
of  this  character,  the  lids  must  be  carefully  inverted,  one  after 
the  other,  and  examined. 

The  removal  of  the  foreign  body  is  equivalent  to  a  cure,  for 
very  little,  if  any,  after  treatment  is  needed,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  cleansing  the  eye  with  cold  water. 

SPECIFIC  OR  PERIODICAL  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  dangerous  form  of  disease  is  termed  periodical,  because 
having  once  made  its  appearance,  there  is  a  liability  of  a  re- 
currence ;  it  is  not,  however,  so  prevalent  among  cattle  as 
among  horses.  It  is  a  disease  which,  finally,  is  sure  and  cer- 
tain to  end  in  cataract,  or  disorganization  of  the  eye ;  in  this 
stage,  perhaps  the  butcher  would  be  the  best  doctor. 

It  may  be  proper,  however,  to  give  the  reader  some  idea  of 
the  nature  and  symptoms  of  this  malady,  so  that  common  oph- 
thalmia may  not  be  confounded  with  nor  mistaken  for  it.  It 
has  been  observed,  in  the  preceding  article,  that  common 
ophthalmia  was  confined  to  the  membranes  of  the  eye ;  the 
disease  now  under  consideration,  makes  its  ravages  on  the  inner 
structures  of  the  eye,  the  external  covering  being  only  sympa- 
thetically involved.  On  parting  the  swollen  lids,  and  if  the 
cornea  be  not  too  opaque,  we  shall  find  that  the  aqueous  humor 
is  thick  and  muddy,  the  iris,  lens,  and  other  internal  parts  are 
altered  in  texture  and  structure,  in  fact,  the  eye  has  all  the  ap- 
pearance of  being  ruined,  which  is  probably  the  case. 

The  remote  causes  of  this  disease  are  constitutional  pre- 
disposition. 

There  are  several  other  affections  of  the  eyes  of  oxen  and 
cows,  but  as  they  are  incurable,  the  subjects  must  be  referred 
to  the  butcher. 

CANCER  IN  CATTLE. 

Cancer  is  a  peculiar  malignant  growth,  affecting  one  or  more 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  237 

parts  of  the  body.  It  probably  owes  its  origin  to  some  pe- 
culiarity of  constitution.  It  is  usually  divided  into  two  stages; 
the  first  is  that  of  scirrhous,  or  hardening  of  the  soft  parts ;  the 
second  is  that  of  open  cancer,  or  ulceration  ;  in  this  stage,  a 
foul  fungous  sore  is  observed,  having  an  irregular  surface  of 
varied  hue,  with  elevated,  everted,  and  rough  margins. 

A  writer  in  the  Eclectic  Journal  offers  the  following  as  the 
pathology  of  cancer :  — 

"  According  to  the  researches  of  the  most  eminent  physiolo- 
gists, malignant  growths  are  composed  of  two  parts,  granules 
or  cells,  with  cell  germs  and  granules  within  them,  nourished 
wi'h  fat  cells  and  globules,  and  of  fibrous  tissue  or  stroma,  in 
which  the  former  parts  are  embedded.  Malignant  growths  are 
composed  chiefly  of  albumen,  supplied  with  blood  vessels,  but 
differ  in  their  essential  elements,  viz.,  in  their  chemical  and 
microscopic,  from  healthy  tissue.  The  development  of  this, 
disease  is  evidently  a  perversion  of  the  ordinary  process  of 
nutrition.  The  lymph  or  blastema  which  exudes  through  the 
capillaries,  either  in  the  ordinary  course  of  nutrition,  or 
through  some  accidental  inflammation,  appears  to  have  its  vital- 
ity perverted ;  so  that  instead  of  forming  itself  into  one  of  the 
proper  tissues  of  the  body,  it  forms  the  irregular  abnormal 
cells,  which  constitute  this  species  of  growth.  Tkese  abnormal 
cells  are  deposited  in  distinct  masses,  or  else  spread  through 
the  tissue  of  the  organ  or  part,  which  it  ultimately  supersedes 
"When  once  formed,  they  increase  in  size  by  the  constant  form- 
ation of  new  cells,  which  are  supplied  with  fresh  material  from 
the  blood.  In  the  course  of  time,  the  older  portions  of  cancer- 
ous growth  lose  their  vitality,  soften  down,  their  outer  surface 
ulcerates,  and  a  sanious  discharge  follows." 

Treatment  of  Cancer.  —  The  popular  method  of  treating 
this  dreadful  malady,  is  to  dissect  out  the  diseased  parts,  but 
this  rarely  succeeds,  for  the  disease  generally  has  an  origin 
beyond  the  reach  of  our  scalpel.  The  only  remedies  of  any 
value,  in  curable  cases,  are  bloodroot  and  iodide  of  potassium. 
The  parts  should  be  sprinkled  often  with  powdered  bloodroot, 
and  the  patient  should  have  twenty  grains  per  day  of  iodide  of 
potassium. 


238         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

The  following  case  appeared  in  the  Veterinarian,  and  is 
selected  for  the  instruction  of  the  reader :  — 

"  About  two  years  since,  we  were  called  in  to  attend  a  cow, 
the  property  of  a  gentleman  residing  in  our  neighborhood.  On 
examination  we  perceived  a  cauliflower  excrescence  growing 
from  the  membrana  nictitans,  about  the  size  of  a  strawberry, 
from  which  issued  an  ichorous  discharge  that  excoriated  the 
adjacent  parts,  and  which  bled  on  the  slightest  touch.  We  at 
once  decided  upon  taking  it  out,  and  this  was  accordingly  done, 
the  parts,  being  eubsequently  touched  with  argent,  nitrat. 
After  this,  the  cow  appeared  to  go  on  well  for  about  twelve 
months,  without  any  re-appearance  of  the  cancerous  growth. 
At  the  conclusion  of  that  time,  we  were  again  sent  for,  and 
found  the  cornea  had  become  of  a  bottle-green  color,  and  that 
the  sight  of  the  eye  was  completely  gone.  About  three  months 
after  this,  a  fungoid  growth  sprouted  from  the  cornea,  which 
increased  in  size  very  rapidly,  but  was  repressed  by  the  appli- 
cation of  a  little  burnt  alum.  Shortly  after  this,  the  eye 
receded  considerably  into  the  socket,  and  eventually  it  sloughed 
entirely  away.  Some  weeks  afterwards,'she  became  partially 
paralyzed,  and  was  unable  to  masticate.  The  lower  lip  was 
pendulous ;  the  ear  hung  down  by  the  side  of  the  neck  on  the 
affected  side  ;  difficulty  of  deglutition  was  experienced,  and  the 
saliva  flowed  from  the  mouth,  mingled  with  the  partially  mas- 
ticated food.  Attenuation  of  the  paralyzed  muscles  quickly 
followed,  and  much  general  emaciation  of  the  fi*ame.  The 
owner  being  desirous  of  obtaining  another  calf  from  her,  she 
was  kept  alive  with  gruel ;  but,  as  it  was  soon  seen  she 
could  not  live,  so  as  to  give  birth  to  a  calf,  she  was  destroyed. 
This  being  a  fortnight  before  her  time,  the  calf  was  imme- 
diately taken  out,  and  it  seemed  likely  to  live  and  do  well.  It, 
however,  lived  only  three  days ;  the  immediate  cause  of  death 
being  injudicious  feeding." 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  239 


HERNIA,  OR  RUPTURES. 

Hernia  signifies  rupture,  or  unnatural  protrusion  of  a  por- 
tion of  the  intestines  or  the  omentum. 

In  consequence  of  the  rough  encounters  which  horned  crea- 
tures frequently  engage  in,  they  are  liable  to  suffer  from  the 
consequences  of  external  violence,  and  a  pregnant  cow  with  a 
distended  abdomen  is  more  apt  to  be  injured-  in  this  way  than 
the  male.  Still  an  accident  of  this  kind  will  occasionally  oc- 
cur without  the  intervention  of  external  injuries,  for  the  cow 
is  often  the  subject  of  dropsy  of  the  womb,  and  in  such  condi- 
tion the  abdomen  is  distended  to  an  enormous  capacity.  The 
only  thing  that  can  be  done  in  a  case  of  this  character,  is  to 
rupture  the  foetal  membranes  by  means  of  a  blunt  instrument, 
introduced  through  the  neck  of  the  uterus ;  this  will  not  only 
evacuate  the  fluid,-  but  also  bring  on  premature  labor,  and  thus 
the  lives  of  both  mother  and  calf  may  be  saved,  provided,  how- 
ever, the  calf  be  full  grown. 

FORMS  OF  RUPTURE. 

'  There  are  various  forms  of  rupture  ;  a  calf  is  occasionally 
born  with  a  tumor  or  enlargement  in  the  region  of  the  navel ; 
this  is  known  as  congenital  umbilical  hernia.  It  is  termed 
congenital  in  consequence  of  being  present  at  birth,  and  umbil' 
ical  because  it  is  found  in  the  umbilical  region.  This  form  of 
hernia  is  not  a  very  serious  matter  and  very  rarely  requires  an 
operation  ;  my  usual  course  is  to  apply  some  cotton  batting, 
wet  with  an  astringent  (infusion  of  bayberry  bark),  and  over 
the  same  a  bandage,  which  must  be  passed  twice  around  the 
body ;  yet  if  the  part  is  bathed  occasionally  with  infusion  of 
bayberry,  the  bandage  and  batting  can  be  dispensed  with. 

The  reason  why  a  case  of  this  kind  is  not  a  serious  affair,  is 
because  there  is  no  rupture  of  the  walls  of  the  abdomen,  but  a 
mere  purse  or  dilated  state  of  the  common  integuments  exists, 
which  if  necessary  can  be  sloughed  off  by  the  application  of  a 
common  pair  of  clams. 


240         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

INGUINAL  HERNIA. 

When  rupture  in  the  groin  appears  at  birth,  it  is  congenital, 
and  consists  of  a  portion  of  intestine,  which  has  found  its  way 
through  the  inguinal  canal  —  the  channel  through  which  the 
testicle  descends  into  the  scrotum.  This  can  readily  be  reduced 
by  raising  the  animal  by  its  hind  legs,  and  giving  it  a  few 
jerks  upward.  If  the  intestine  slips  down  again,  and  the  case 
requires  it,  I  should  castrate  the  animal  and  put  a  stitch  or  two 
in  the  external  ring,  or  else  castrate  by  the  clam  method,  which 
will  produce  considerable  swelling  and  block  up  the  passage  so 
that  the  bowel  cannot  descend.  The  clams  may  be  removed  at 
the  end  of  twelve  hours. 

STRANGULATED  HERNIA. 

The  intestine  will  occasionally  descend  into  the  scrotum,  and 
become  strangulate,  so  that  it  cannot  be  returned.  In  a  case 
of  this  character,  the  operator  must  dilate  the  ring  (through 
which  the  intestine  descended),  by  means  of  a  probe-pointed 
bistoury  ;  having  returned  the  bowel  let  the  animal  be  castrated 
and  then  apply  the  clams. 

Strangulated  hernia  occurring  in  any  other  part  of  the  body, 
must  be  treated  as  follows :  If  the  protruded  bowel  is  tumefied 
in  consequence  of  gas  within,  it  may  be  punctured  in  one  or  two 
places  by  means  of  a  suture  needle ;  this  will  allow  the  gas  to 
escape  ;  then  efforts  should  be  made  to  return  the  protrusion  ; 
failing  to  accomplish  this  object  in  consequence  of  stricture  or 
thickening  of  the  walls  of  the  abdomen,  I  should  introduce  the 
bistoury,  and  dilate  the  wound.  The  reader  will  infer,  and 
rightly  so,  that  I  am  alluding  to  a  case  in  which  there  is  an 
accidental  external  wound,  otherwise  it  would  constitute  what 
is  called  ventral  hernia. 

VENTRAL  HERNTA. 

This  form  of  hernia  consists  of  an  escape  of  a  portion  of 
the  intestines  through  a  rent  in  the  abdominal  muscles,  creating 


THE    DISEASES    OP    CATTLE.  241 

a  tumor  beneath  the  common  integument.  This  tumor  may  exist 
for  some  time  without  affecting  the  animal's  health,  but  when 
it  increases  in  size,  so  as  to  be  bulky,  or  becomes  strangulated, 
an  operation  must  immediately  be  performed.  In  performing 
the  operation,  however,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  pro- 
truded bowel  has  pushed  before  it  a  portion  of  the  peritoneum 
(the  lining  membrane  of  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen).  There- 
fore the  intestine  is  contained  in  a  sac,  which  •  should  9^0  be 
returned  along  with  the  intestine,  into  the  abdominal  cavity. 

The  mode  of  operation  in  cases  of  ventral  hernia,  is  to  cast 
and  etherize  the  animal ;  a  semilunar  incision  is  then  made 
over  the  tumor,  the  convex  border  of  the  flap  being  downwards  ; 
the  panniculus  carnosus  (subcutaneous  muscle),  or  superficial 
fascia,  is  also  divided ;  a  probe-pointed  bistoury  is  then  intro- 
duced between  the  bowel  and  edge  of  the  wound.  This  must 
be  dilated  or  made  sufficiently  large  to  allow  the  return  of  the 
intestine.  The  rent  in  the  muscles  is  then  to  be  strongly  su- 
tured, and  one  end  of  the  suture  should  be  left  long  enough  to 
hang  out  of  the  wound ;  the  integuments  are  then  to  be  brought 
together  in  the  same  manner,  after  which  dress  the  wound 
with  tincture  of  aloes.  In  the  course  of  eight  or  ten  days  a 
pull  may  be  made  on  the  ends  of  the  deep-seated  sutures,  to 
see  if  they  are  ready  to  come  away,  yet  it  is  best  not  to  remove 
them  until  they  are  quite  loose. 

It  is  impossible  in  a  work  of  this  character  to  furnish  the 
reader  with  all  the  information  necessaiy  to  meet  the  emergen- 
cies which  may  occur  in  the  various  forms  of  hernia ;  for  their 
management  and  treatment  require  more  than  ordinary  skill, 
and  many  persons  who  consider  themselves  competent  to.  pre- 
scribe for  the  ordinary  diseases  of  cattle,  are  willing  to  ac- 
knowledge themselves  at  fault  when  consulted  on  the  subject 
of  rupture  ;  and  lest  my  own  remarks  on  this  subject  may  prove 
of  little  avail  in  furnishing  the  husbandman,  in  the  hour  of 
need,  the  necessary  instruction,  I  introduce  the  two  following 
cases,  selected  from  the  London  Veterinarian. 

Mr.  James  Stowar   furnishes  the  following  case  of  stran- 
gulated hernia  :  — 
21 


242         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OB" 

"On  the  17tli  of  Sept.,  1850, 1  was  called  to  the  farm  of 
Ashogle,  to  see  a  cow  which  had  been  injured  by  the  horns  of 
another ;  but  as  I  had  left  home  that  afternoon  for  a  distance, 
and  did  not  return  until  late  next  day,  I  did  not  see  the  cow 
until  the  19th.  I  found  her  with  a  hernial  tumor  protruding 
from  the  right  iliac,  which  remained  covered  within  the  skin, 
so  large  that  a  bushel  measure  would  not  have  contained  it. 
She  ^as  evidently  in  much  pain  while  standing,  and  would 
stand  only  a  very  short  time.  I  was  told  that  she  had  eaten  a 
good  deal  since  the  accident,  and,  as  a  stoppage  of  the  dung 
was  observed,  they  had  given  her  a  pound  of  epsom  salts. 
Her  abdomen  was  enormously  distended,  notwithstanding  the 
largeness  of  the  hernial  tumor.  The  non-escape  of  the  faeces 
was  proof  positive,  under  the  circumstances,  of  the  hernia  being 
strangulated. 

"I  had  her  laid  on  the  left  side,  as  carefully  as  possible,  and, 
after  every  attempt  to  return  the  hernia  by  external  manipula* 
lion  had  failed,  I  cut  into  the  sac,  and  attempted  to  knead  in, 
inch  by  inch,  the  gorged  intestines ;  but  in  this  also  I  failed. 
The  hernial  opening  was  large  enough  to  admit  three  of  my 
fingers,  so  that  it  was  not  want  of  room  in  that,  but  in  the  ab- 
dominal cavity,  which  was  so  fully  distended  by  the  intestines 
forming  the  hernia,  that  caused  the  difficulty.  I  had  her  laid 
upon  her  back,  with  her  hind  legs  drawn  up,  so  as  to  throw  the 
contents  of  the  abdomen  as  much  as  possible  upon  the  dia- 
phragm. Even  then,  however,  I  could  not  succeed ;  I  therefore 
with  a  sharp-pointed  scalpel  cut  into  the  intestine,  and  emptied 
it  entirely  of  its  semi-fluid  contents,  stitched  up  the  wound, 
and  washed  it  carefully,  and  so  ultimately  accomplished  the 
reduction.  With  a  strong  cord  I  closed  the  hernial  opening, 
as  well  as  the  one  I  had  made  through  the  skin,  nine  inches 
farther  up ;  I  then  turned  her  on  her  left  side,  and  in  a  few 
minutes  the  faeces  began  to  escape  by  their  proper  channel. 
I  gave  linseed  oil  twenty  ounces,  and  tincture  of  opium  one 
ounce.  Next  morning  I  found  her  up,  stepping  through  the 
shed,  inclined  to  eat,  her  bowels  acting  freely.  I  had  her 
tightly  bandaged,  to  support  the  abdomen,  and  made  an  open- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  243 

ing  to  allow  the  escape  of  discharge  at  the  bottom  of  the  sac.  I 
saw  her  daily  for  a  week,  and  prescribed  according  to  the  state 
in  which  1  found  her.  On  the  whole,  her  health  proved  good, 
and  her  wounds  healed  pleasantly.  She  was  fourteen  years  old, 
and,  like  most  cows,  had  a  large  belly.  She  fattened  well,  and 
was  sold  for  the  shambles  in  April.  The  butcher  told  the  farmer 
that  he  found  a  large  abscess  in  her  side  when  he  cut  her  up." 

The  following  case  of  ventral  hernia  is  from  the  London 
Veterinarian^  by  G.  Lewis :  - — 

"In  September  last,  I  was  requested  to  examine  a  heifer, 
which  was  said  to  have  a  '  swelling  on  her  right  side.' 

"I  found  her  with  a  pendulous  bag,  hanging  very  low  on  the 
right  flank,  and  of  an  immense  size.  Upon  a  close  examina- 
tion of  the  parts,  I  ascertained  that  the  enlargement  was  pro- 
duced by  an  escape  of  the  intestines  through  a  rent  in  the 
abdominal  muscles.  I  informed  the  owner  that  nothing  short 
of  an  operation  could  be  productive  of  benefit  to  the  animal, 
and  I  also  pointed  out  to  him  the  nature  of  the  case,  and  its 
probable  results. 

"  According  to  the  arrangement,  the  heifer  was  sent  to  me 
on  September  6th,  when,  after  due  preparation  by  medicine, 
etc.,  I  had  her  cast  and  secured,  and  then  carefully  made  an 
opening  through  the  skin  and  panniculus  muscle,  immediately 
over  the  laceration  in  the  other  muscles,  but  a  little  longer 
than  it.  I  thus  exposed  the  rent  which  existed  in  the  external 
and  also  the  internal  oblique.  The  edges  of  the  aperture  were 
very  uneven  and  much  thickened ;  and  I  may  state  in  this 
place,  that  the  enlargement  had  been  observed  a  month  prior  to 
this  date.  A  large  portion  of  the  intestines  were  found  to 
have  escaped  into  the  sac  formed  by  the  panniculus  and  common 
integument ;  besides  which,  a  considerable  quantity  of  serous 
fluid  existed  beneath  the  skin,  and  externally  to  the  panniculus, 
which  had  doubtless  been  thrown  out  by  the  injured  vessels. 

"The  intestines  being  returned  into  the  abdominal  cavity, 
the  edges  of  the  laceration  were  brought  together  with  strong 
metallic  sutures,  and  properly  secured.  The  external  wound 
was   then  closed ;  and  before  allowing  the  animal   to   rise,  I 


244         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

passed  a  seton  through  the  most  depending  portion  of  the  in- 
tegumental  sac,  with  a  view  to  give  a  gradual  and  continuous 
exit  to  the  serous  effusion.  A  compress  was  also  placed  upon 
the  part  to  remove  as  much  of  the  pressure  of  the  viscera  as 
possible,  after  which  the  animal  was  allowed  to  rise. 

"  For  several  days  the  bowels  remained  obstinately  consti- 
pated, and  some  symptomatic  fever  was  also  present ;  but  by 
proper  measures  these  unfavorable  symptoms  were  soon  re- 
moved. The  animal  was  allowed  only  linseed  tea  and  thin 
gruel  for  a  few  days.  Subsequently  a  large  amount  of  serous 
fluid  was  discharged  through  the  openings  made  for  the  intro- 
duction of  the  seton ;  it,  however,  soon  ceased.  The  sutures 
also  came  away  in  due  course,  leaving  but  little  appearance  of 
the  original  injury."  , 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES. 

BONE  DISORDER. 

During  the  past  few  years  I  have  noticed  a  number  of 
articles  in  our  agricultural  periodicals,  referring  to  a  disease 
named  by  the  writers  ^^  Bone  Disorder  J^  The  name,  as  the 
reader  will  perceive,  does  not  throw  the  least  ray  of  light  on 
the  pathology  of  the  malady  ;  in  fact,  it  savors  strongly  of  the 
so-called  "  horn-ail,"  "  tail-ail,"  —  terms  which  apply  to  symp- 
toms rather  than  to  any  real  disorder.  One  writer  informs  us 
that  when  an  animal  becomes  the  subject  of  bone  disorder, 
"  the  bones  threaten  to  cave  in  —  have  wasted  away."  If  they 
do  threaten  to  cave  in,  the  best  method  I  am  acquainted  with  to 
insure  an  opposite  tendency,  is  to  promote  the  healthy  functions 
of  the  body,  and  thus  keep  disease  and  the  cattle  separate. 

If  the  bones  waste  away  and  then  assume  their  original  shape 
by  merely  feeding  hone  meal,  as  the  writers  contend,  then  the 
bones  of  cattle  must  possess  some  peculiarities  that  I  have  never, 
in  my  professional  capacity,  been  able  to  discover. 


THE   DISEASES    OP    CATTLE. 


245 


SPECIMENS  OF  DISEASED  BONES. 
For  explanations  see  p.  394. 


2  4G         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

If  the  animals  recover  (we  are  told  they  do),  then  it  might 
be  inferred  that  the  bones  possess  properties  analogous  to  that 
of  the  soft  tissues, — an  inference  which  the  reader  knows  is  not 
correct.  I  would  observe,  however,  that  all  parts  of  the  an- 
imal organism  undergo  a  very  perceptible  augmentation,  and 
decrease  or  waste.  Thus,  up  to  the  period  of  adult  life,  all 
parts  of  the  animal  frame  increase  in  bulk,  and  give  to  the  an- 
imal that  rotund  and  symmetrical  appearance  which  attracts 
the  eye  of  all  those  who  love  to  admire  the  works  of  nature  ; 
but  at  last  old  age  comes  on,  which  is  attended  by  a  gradual 
waste  or  shrinkage  ;  this  occurs,  however,  more  in  the  muscles 
than  in  the  bones ;  yet  the  latter  undergo  some  condensation 
which  may  possibly  lessen  their  volume  ;  this,  however,  is  a 
physiological  result,  —  the  work  of  uncompromising  nature, 
over  which  human  agency  (bone  meal  included)  has  not  the 
least  control. 

Whenever  the  bones  do  become  diseased,  it  is  the  result  of 
hereditary  predisposition,  of  local  injury,  or  of  impaired  diges- 
tion. So  far  as  my  inquiries  have  extended,  in  relation  to  the 
character  of  the  so-called  bone  disorder,  I  infer  that  it  is  a  dis- 
ease of  a  debilitating  character,  originating  in  most  cases  in  the 
digestive  and  nutritive  organs,  affecting  not  only  the  bones  but 
various  other  tissues  of  the  body,  and  therefore  the  only  rational 
plan  of  treatment  consists  in  improving  the  general  health  of 
the  animal.  The  ways  and  means  of  accomplishing  this  very 
desirable  result,  are  as  various  as  the  causes  which  occasion  the 
derangements.  If  it  be  evident  (as  the  bone  disorder  theorists 
contend)  that  the  animal  organism,  in  such  cases,  is  deficient 
in  phosphate  of  lime,  I  have  no  objection  to  offer  against  the 
popular  custom  of  giving  the  patient  a  few  doses  of  bone 
meal ;  for  whenever  there  shall  be  a  deficiency  of  carbon  in 
the  system,  bone  meal  may  be  useful  in  supporting  pulmonary 
combustion,  and  thus  insure  healthy  action  of  the  organs  and 
functions  of  the  animal  economy ;  yet  I  would  suggest  to  the 
intelligent  reader,  that  as  bruised  oats,  ground  corn,  and  lin- 
seed meal  contain  a  large  amount  of  phosphates,  they  should  be 
selected   in  preference   to  bone  meal,  which  I  think  is  more 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  247 

valuable  as  a  remedial  agent  for  a  carnivorous  than  for  a  her- 
bivorous animal. 

As  I  understand  the  complex  theory  of  digestion,  the  value 
of  food  or  remedial  agents  is  in  exact  ratio  to  their  adaptation 
for  assimilation  ;  so  that  if  their  elements  are  only  held  in 
union  by  an  uncomplex  chemical  affinity,  as  is  the  case  with  all 
vegetable  productions  known  as  food,  their  solution  is  easily 
and  promptly  effected  by  the  ordinary  process  of  insalivation, 
mastication,  and  remastication ;  but  bone  meal  (a  popular 
remedy)  is  actually  an  animal  production,  —  vegetable  matter 
animalized,  —  and  in  order  to  convert  the  same  into  the  com- 
ponent parts  of  the  cow's  structui^,  it  will  perhaps  require  more 
chemico-vital  force  to  effect  the  solution,  than  when  oatmeal, 
etc.,  are  used,  the  chemical  affinity  here  being  weaker  than  is 
the  case  with  bones. 

In  the  treatment  of  any  and  every  disease,  it  is  usual  to  en- 
deavor to  ascertain  the  direct  causes,  and  if  possible  effect  their 
removal,  and  whatever  seems  to  be  indicated  we  are  justified 
in  supplying ;  so  that  if  phosphates  are  indicated,  they  may  be 
prescribed ;  yet  in  cases  of  emaciation,  when  weakness  and  de- 
bility preside,  I  should  prefer  to  use  nutritious  food,  tonics,  and 
stimulants,  instead  of  bone  meal.  Why  not  add  the  bone 
meal  to  the  barnyard  manure  ?  In  this  way  the  animal  would 
get  the  benefit  of  it  in  the  form  of  fodder. 

In  reference  to  a  deficiency  of  phosphate  of  lime  in  the 
milk,  which  the  writers  alluded  to  have  noticed,  I  remark  that 
it  may,  in  part,  arise  from  functional  derangement  in  the  diges- 
tive organs  (in  such  cases  a  large  quantity  of  phosphate,  etc., 
is  expelled  from  the  system  in  the  excrement),  or  the  fodder 
itself  may  be  deficient  in  its  usual  yield  of  phosphate  of  lime. 
We  then  have  an  evidence  of  vegetable  disease,  for  I  believe 
that  th^  phosphate  of  lime  is  as  necessary  for  the  growth  and 
integrity  of  the  plant  as  it  seems  to  be  for  the  same  purposes 
in  the  animal  kingdom. 

But  I  believe  that  the  plant  cannot  lack  phosphates  without 
there  being  a  corresponding  deficiency  in  several  other  constitu- 


248         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

ents  which  go  to  form  the  healthy  vegetable.  So  that  in  such 
cases  the  disease  is  general,  not  local ;  the  plant  is  not  Jibre 
sick,  nor  the  cow  hone  sick,  but  in  both  cases  —  the  food  of 
each  being  unnutritious  —  debility  is  the  disease. 

It  is  well  known  that  successive  cultivation  exhausts  the 
soil,  and  uses  up  the  constituents  necessary  for  the  growth  and 
maturity  of  grains  and  fodder.  Yet  the  pastures  and  ploughed 
land  might  be  made  to  yield  good  crops  and  rich  harvests,  by 
depositing  in  the  soil  —  in  the  form  of  animal  excrement,  straw, 
wood,  ashes,  lime,  charcoal,  etc.  —  as  much  as  we  take  out  of 
it.  The  soil  cannot  create  any  thing  of  itself,  therefore  an  in- 
crease in  crops  can  only  be  obtained  by  adding  more  of  certain 
agents  to  the  soil  than  we  take  out  of  it. 

"  In  Flanders,  the  yearly  loss  of  the  necessary  matters  in 
the  soil  is  completely  restored  by  covering  the  fields  with  ashes 
of  wood  or  bones,  which  may  or  may  not  have  been  lixiviated. 
The  great  importance  of  manuring  with  ashes  has  been  long 
recognized  by  agriculturists  as  the  result  of  experience.  So 
great  a  value,  indeed,  is  attached  to  this  material,  in  the  vicinity 
of  Marburg,  and  in  the  Wetterau  —  two  well-known  agricul- 
tural districts,  —  that  it  is  transported,  as  a  manure,  from  the 
distance  of.  eighteen  or  twenty-four  miles.  Its  use  will  be  at 
once  perceived,  when  it  is  considered  that  the  ashes,  after  being 
washed  with  water,  contain  silicate  of  potash  exactly  in  the 
same  proportion  as  in  the  straw,  and  that  their  only  other  con- 
stituents are  salts  of  phosphoric  acid." 

It  is  well  known  that  phosphate  of  lime,  potass,  silica,  car- 
bonate of  lime,  magnesia,  and  soda,  are  discharged  in  the  ex- 
crement and  urine  of  the  cow ;  and  this  happens  when  they 
are  not  adapted  to  assimilation,  as  well  as  when  present  in  ex- 
cess. Supposing  the  cow's  bones  to  be  ^' weak,"  it  is  possible 
that  the  gelatinous  elements  preponderate  over  those  •f  lime, 
soda,  and  magnesia. 

It  is  a  fact  well  known  to  husbandmen,  that  some  breeding 
cows  do  not  come  up  to  the  standard  of  health,  or  fair  condi- 
tion, although  they  are  fed  from  the  cream  of  the  crib,  on  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  24.9 

best  kind  of  fodder.  The  inference  is,  that  the  digestive  or  ■ 
gans  are  not  in  working  condition  ;  therefore,  in  such  cases,  the 
food  operates  as  an  exciting  cause  of  disease. 

The  effects  of  cheap  and  damaged  food  are  too  well  known ; 
poor  food  is  dear  at  any  price  which  may  be  asked  for  it ;  it 
may  not  furnish  sufficient  carbon  ;  if  so,  the  animal  is  deprived 
of  the  power  of  reproducing  itself,  and  must  eventually  suffer 
(see  article  on  feeding). 

These  preliminary  remarks  are  introductory  to  the  following 
on  diseases  of  the  bones ;  but  before  I  allude  to  them  I  have  a 
few  brief  remarks  to  offer  on  the 

MECHANISM  AND  STRUCTURE  OF  BONES. 

Bones  have  many  things  in  common  with  the  soft  tissues  and 
organs ;  for  example  :  arteries,  veins,  nerves,  lymphatics,  and 
a  connecting  cellular  web.  Their  structure,  in  the  embryotic 
state,  is  highly  vascular,  yielding,  and  gelatinous.  They  have, 
externally,  a  fibrous  investment  known  as  periosteum,  which  is 
well  supplied  with  arteries,  veins,  nerves,  and  absorbents ;  and  it 
is  through  the  intervention  of  this  fibrous  tunic,  that  the  vessels 
proper  to  bones  reach  their  ultimate  destination.  On  the  inte- 
rior surface  of  hollow  bones,  we  find  a  membrane  of  similar 
structure,  only  more  delicately  organized.  The  cavity  of  the 
shaft  bones  is  usually  occupied  by  a  quantity  of  adipose  matter, 
known  as  marrow ;  this  is  enclosed  in  laminated  cells,  and  is 
supposed  to  be  a  sort  of  aliment  in  reserve,  to  provide  against 
accidental  emergencies  of  non-nutrition. 

COMPOSITION    OF   BONES. 

Bones  consist  of  two  constituents ;  viz.,  animal  basis  and 
calcareous  matter.  In  the  healthy  adult,  the  proportions  are 
as  follows :  — 

Animal  Matter, 33|  per  cent. 

Calcareous  Matter, 66f   "     " 

100 


200  THE   NATURE    AND    TREATMENT    OF 


ULTIMATE  CONSTITUENTS    OF   BONES. 

The  ultimate  constituents  of  bones  are  gelatine,  animal  mat- 
ter, carbonate,  phosphate,  and  fluate  of  lime,  phosphates  of  soda 
and  magnesia.  Their  growth,  like  that  of  shells,  is  effected  by 
the  addition  of  new  tissue  to  that  already  formed.  Bones  which 
have  a  central  cavity  are  protected  internally  by  cartilaginous 
fibres  or  unions ;  hence  they  expand  or  burst,  so  soon  as  their 
cartilaginous  braces  are  decomposed  by  a  diseased  condition  of 
the  parts. 

DILATATION  OF  THE  JAW  BONES. 

This  disease  seems  to  be  more  prevalent  among  horses  than 
cattle.  In  equine  practice  it  is  termed  "  big-head  ;  "  in  bovine 
practice  we  call  it  spina  ventosa,  *  bony  tumor,  etc. ;  but  per- 
haps "  dilatation  of  bone"  will  give  the  reader  a  better  idea  of 
the  character  of  the  disease  than  any  other  term.  On  inspect- 
ing the  jaw  bones  of  cattle,  the  subjects  of  dilatation,  we  find 
the  greatest  enlargement  at  the  angle  of  the  lower  jaw.  On 
cutting  into  the  same  its  cavity  is  occupied  by  a  preparation 
resembling  soft  cheese.  On  removing  this  it  is  discovered  that 
the  cartilaginous  braces,  which  hold  the  sides  of  the  bone  to- 
gether, are  decomposed ;  hence  the  dilatation.  This  foreign 
material  often  degenerates  into  true  pus,  and  burrows  through 
the  bones  toward  the  surface.  In  this  condition  a  fluctuating 
tumor  can  be  felt  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw. 

Sometimes  the  bones  of  the  jaw  appear  to  have  lost  their 
cohesive  firmness  and  vitality ;  they  then  border  on  a  state 
known  as  necrosis.  Now  if  a  portion  of  bone  in  this  condi- 
tion be  macerated,  for  only  a  short  time,  in  a  weak  solution  of 
muriatic  acid,  it  can  be  rolled  up  like  a  piece  of  paper,  show- 
ing that  it  is  deficient  in  calcareous  matter ;  but  if  it  takes 
a  day  or  more  to  put  the  bone  in  this  condition,  the  experi- 

*  Spina  ventosa.  — A  bony  tumor,  in  which  the  interior  of  the  bone  is  ab- 
Borbed,  leaving  a  mere  shell  of  bone,  divided  into  cells,  containing  purulent, 
cheesy  matter.     (See  cut  of  bones,  page  245). 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  251 

ment  would  not  be  of  much  value,  as  all  bones  can  be  more  o^ 
less  softened  by  means  of  weak  acids. 

Having  ascertained  that  the  osseous  structure  is  deficient  ^ 
earthy  matter,  and  that  the  animal  matter  preponderates,  we 
are  then  in  possession  of  facts  which  can  be  used  to  great  ad- 
vantage in  preventing  the  malady,  and  perhaps  treating  it  in 
its  early  stage.  The  remedies  are  phosphate  of  lime,  vegeta- 
ble tonics,  and  stimulants.     I  use  them  in  the  following  form  : 

Phosphate  of  Lime, - 6  ounces, 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2  ounces. 

'■''  Sassafras, Sounces. 

"  Ginger, 2  ounces. 

Oatmeal, , 4  pounds.  Mix 

This  is  to  be  divided  into  sixteen  parts,  one  of  which  may 
be  incorporated  with  the  food  every  night. 

I  recommend  the  medicine  in  this  form  because  it  is  calcu- 
lated to  give  tone  to  the  function  of  nutrition.  It  is  well  known 
that  the  maintenance  of  the  functions  of  animal  life  are  alm.ost 
entirely  dependent  on  the  due  performance  of  the  nutritive 
operations,  and  therefore  the  integrity  and  properties  of  all  the 
hard  as  well  as  the  soft  tissues  depend  on  their  regular  nutri- 
tion by  a  due  supply  of  perfectly  elaborated  blood.  This  cannot 
be  effected  unless  the  functions  of  circulation,  respiration,  and 
secretion  are  performed  with  regularity. 

Circulation  is  necessary  to  convey  a  supply  of  nutritious 
fluid,  and  respiration  and  secretion  separate  the  blood  from  its 
impurities. 

Therefore,  in  cases  of  this  character,  I  advise  stock  owners 
to  endeavor  to  improve  the  general  health  of  the  patient  by 
means  just  suggested,  and  also  that  they  should  see  that  the 
animal  gets  that  kind  of  food  which  is  rich  in  phosphates- 

It  is  very  difficult  to  define  the  causes  of  this  disease.  It 
may  originate  in  a  peculiar,  morbid  habit  of  body,  or  it  may  be 
the  sequence  of  faulty  nutrition  or  hereditary  predisposition. 

When  an  animal  labors  under  any  morbid  habit  of  body,  he 
is  in  a  state  far  removed  from  that  of  health,  and  various  parts 
of  the  body  become  affected  by  the  change  ;  and  even  should 
the  power  of  forming  good  healthy  blood  remain,  the  organic 


252         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

force  by  which  the  constituents  of  blood  are  transformed  into 
osseous  structure,  must  necessarily  be  enfeebled  by  the  morbid 
l^bit,  so  that  the  power  to  produce  metamorphoses  is  necessa- 
rily diminished.  It  is  my  opinion  that  big-head  usually  com- 
mences in  the  fibrous  tissues  which  are  found  in  the  internal 
surface  of  bones.  A  very  peculiar  feature  of  these  fibrous  tu- 
nics is,  that  when  they  once  become  diseased  they  run  rapidly 
to  purulency  ;  and  this  accounts  for  the  large  amount  of  puru- 
lent matter  often  found  in  the  cavities  of  jaw  bones,  when 
buried  or  exposed  to  a  drying  process.  It  is  then,  however,  in 
a  spongy  state. 

A  very  distinguished  French  writer  contends  that  "  fibrous 
tunics  or  tissues  hardly  ever  contribute  to  the  formation  of 
pus."  This  is  evidently  an  error ;  for  when  the  periosteum, — 
covering  of  bones,  —  which  covers  the  fang  of  a  tooth,  and 
gives  a  lining  to  the  cavity  into  which  it  is  inserted,  becomes 
inflamed,  it  suppurates,  and  the  tooth  has  to  be  removed.  I 
contend  that  it  is  the  most  common  tissue,  that  excites  the  flow 
of  those  exudations  from  arterial  capillaries,  which  becomes 
converted  into  pus  ;  hence  in  this  way  I  account  for  the  col- 
lections of  pus  often  found  on  and  under  fibrous  ligamentary 
tissues,  and  coverings  of  muscles,  also  upon  and  beneath  the 
periosteum,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  fibrous  tissues  in  other  parts 
of  the  -system. 

The  surgical  treatment  of  a  case  of  this  kind,  is  to  liberate 
the  pent-up  pus  or  matter.  "With  this  object  in  view  I  cast  the 
subject,  and  after  having  brought  him  under  the  influence  of 
ether,  I  make  an  incision  through  the  integuments,  etc.,  and 
expose  the  bone ;  then  by  means  of  a  pair  of  common  bone 
forceps,  I  make  an  opening  into  the  same,  liberate  the  impris- 
oned matter,  and  inject  the  cavity  with  pryroligneous  acid. 
Having  removed  as  much  as  possible  of  the  morbid  matter,  I 
then  cram  the  cavity  with  equal  parts  of  powdered  bloodroot 
and  bayberry  bark.  The  external  wound  must  not  be  closed 
by  suture,  but  left  open  so  as  to  allow  of  a  free  discharge  from 
the  parts,  for  the  healing  process  must  begin  at  the  upper  part 
of  the  cavity,  and  the  integument  should  be  the  last  to  heal. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  253 

I  continue  to  throw  into  the  cavity,  by  means  of  a  glass  syringe, 
a  small  quantity  of  pryroligneous  acid  daily,  until  the  discharge 
ceases.  Then  the  parts  are  to  be  di*essed  with  common  tincture 
of  aloes. 

After  an  operation  of  this  character  there  will  remain  some 
enlargement  of  the  tissual  structures  about  the  parts.  This  can 
gradually  be  reduced  by  a  few  applications  of  a  portion  of  the 
following :  — 

Iodide  of  Potassium, 1  drachm. 

Glycerine, 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  keep  the  preparation  in  a  glass  vial,  well  corked. 

ABSCESS  BENEATH  THE  PERIOSTEUM,  AT  THE  ANGLE 
OF  THE  JAW.  • 

This  is  a  very  frequent  and  formidable  disease  among  cattle, 
and  is  ofttimes  occasioned  by  blows  inflicted  purposely  or  acci- 
dentally on  a  region  known  as  the  angle  of  the  jaw.  It  is  a 
formidable  disease  because  it  frequently  ends  in  caries  or  ulcer- 
ation of  the  jaw  bonfe  (see  page  245).  It  originates  in  an 
inflammatory  condition  of  the  periosteum,  accompanied  by  a 
gradual  enlargement  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw.  It  is  very  pain- 
ful, the  animal  being  very  unwilling  to  have  the  part  handled. 

The  pain  is  occasioned  by  distention  of  the  periosteum,  and 
this  is  sometimes  found  to  be  indurated  or  thickened.  The 
animal  does  not  eat  as  well  as  usual,  in  consequence  of  the 
pain  occasioned  by  the  act  of  mastication,  and  he  generally 
labors  under  some  degree,  more  or  less  severe,  of  febrile  ex- 
citement. Ordinarily  it  is  a  very  easy  matter  to  detect  the 
presence  of  pus  in  any  of  the  supei-ficial  regions  ;  but  in  this, 
located  directly  on  the  bone  and  covered  by  a  fibrous  membrane 
which  only  admits  of  a  limited  amount  of  distention,  it  is  very 
diflficult  for  an  unskilful  person  to  discover  it ;  yet  if  the  above 
symptoms  are  observed,  I  should  decide  that  there  is  pus  be- 
neath the  periosteum. 

Treatment.  —  No  treatment  is  of  any  advantage  except  that 
of  making  a  free  opening  through  the  skin,  muscle,  and  perios- 
teum, and  thus  insuring  a  complete  discharge  of  the  morbid 
22 


254:         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

matter ;  and  the  sooner  this  is  done  the  better,  for  it  will  re- 
lieve the  animal  of  much  suffering  and  prevent  ulceration  of 
'the  jaw  bone.   Very  little  after  treatment  is  recjuired.    It  is  only 
necessary  to  cleanse  the  part  daily,  and  dress  with  tincture  of 
matico. 

EXOSTOSIS,  OR  DEPOSIT  OF  CALCAREOUS  MATTER  ON 
THE  SURFACE  OF  BONES. 

Exostosis  signifies  an  unnatural  growth  of  bone,  or  deposit  of 
calcareous  matter  on  the  surface  of  bones.  Among  horses  this 
disease  occurs  in  the  form  of  splent,  spavin,  and  ringbone.  It 
is  very  seldom  that  cattle  are  treated  for  this  affection ;  for  the 
deformity  is  so  slight,  and  the  lameness  so  obscure,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  slow  motions  of  the  animal,  that  very  little  no- 
tice is  taken  of  it.  The  proper  mode  of  treatment  is  to  apply, 
daily,  a  small  quantity  of  Iodide  of  Glycerine^  prepared  as  fol- 
lows :  — 

Iodine, 1  drachm. 

Glycerine, 1  ounce. 

Mix,  apply  by  means  of  a  small  piece  of  sponge.  This  is 
to  be  applied  daily  for  a  period  of  two  weeks,  after  which  use 
acetic  acid,  one  part ;  water,  six  parts.  With  a  portion  of  this, 
sponge  the  enlargement  until  pain  and  lameness  disappear. 

CARIES,  OR  ULCERATION  OF  BONES. 

The  cut  at  page  245,  will  give  the  reader  a  better  idea  of  the 
appearance  of  ulcerated  bones,  than  a  description.  It  is  a 
very  common  disease  among  cattle,  and  is  preceded  by  inflam- 
mation and  suppuration.  It  sometimes  proceeds  from  a  blow 
received  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw ;  generally,  however,  it  is  a 
constitutional  disease  of  a  malignant  character. 

Treatment.  —  In  the  first  stages  of  this  disease,  the  part 
being  hot,  painful,  and  tender,  I  should  foment  with  warm 
vinegar,  which  will  tend  to  hasten  suppuration  ;  then  having 
ascertained  that  there  is  some  pus  or  matter  locally  imprisoned, 
the  part  must  be  freely  punctured,  the  pus  evacuated,  and  the 
iftavity  injected  with  pure  pyroligneous  acid. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  255 

Supposing  or  rather  suspecting  the  disease  to  be  constitu- 
tional, I  should  administer  the  following:  — 

Iodide  of  potassium, 1  ounce. 

Glycerine, 4  ounces. 

Tincture  of  goldenseal, 2  ounces. 

Water. 2  quarts.  Mix 

The  dose  is  one  sixteenth  part  of  the  above  quantity ;  to  be 
administered  daily. 

PRELIIVONARY  TO  HOKN-AIL. 

Many  very  valuable  animals  die  prematurely ^  under  treatment, 
in  consequence  of  mistaking  symptoms  for  the  disease. 

IJefbre  I  discuss  hom-aiU  I  propose  to  offer  a  few  brief  remarks 
on  the  subject  of  sympathy,  so  that  the  unprofessional  reader 
may  be  prepared  to  comprehend  the  why  and  wherefore  of 
sympathetic  diseases,  as  they  occur  in  neat  stock  during  the 
j)rogress  of  primary  affections. 

ON  SYMPATHY  AND  THE  SYMPATHETIC  RELATIONS 
WHICH  EXIST  IN  THE  ANIMAL  ECONOMY. 

Sympathy.  —  The  animal  structures  are  so  sympathetically 
related  to  each  other,  and  so  dependent  are  various  organs  and 
finictions  on  an  equilibrium  of  vital  action,  based  on  the  law  of 
sympathy,  that  the  animal  economy,  as  a  whole,  may  be  said  to 
compose  a  vast  machine,  the  integrity  of  which  depends  on  the 
free  and  full  play  of  all  parts  composing  its  intricate  mech- 
anism. 

The  media  by  which  sympathy  is  aroused  and  maintained, 
are  the  nerves.  These  originate  from  the  brain  and  medulla 
s|)inalis  (or  spinal  marrow).  Ten  pairs  of  nerves  radiate 
directly  from  the  bi*ain,  termed  cerebral ;  thirty-nine  pairs  from 
the  spinal  marrow,  termed  spinal.  They  are  named  after 
that  of  the  region  in  which  they  are  found  ;  hence  we  have 
seven  pairs  of  nerves  issuing  from  the  cervical  region  (neck), 
eighteen  from  the  dorsal  (back),  five  from  the  lumbar  region, 
and  five  sacral,  within  the  pelvis,  four  coccygeal ;  making  in  all 
forty-nine  pairs  cerebro-spinal  nerves.  They  are  distributed  from 


256  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

each  side  of  the  spine  to  various  parts  of  the  body,  and  their  ter- 
minations are  called  "  sentient, "  this  being  the  seat  of  sensation. 

The  most  important  nerve,  however,  for  our  consideration,  is 
the  sympathetic.  It  is  supposed  by  some  writers  to  be  in  itself 
a  complete  nervous  system.  It  originates  in  a  branch  issu- 
ing from  the  base  of  the  brain,  and  communicates  with  every 
other  nervous  filament  of  the  body.  The  connection  takes 
place  in  the  following  manner  :  The  sympathetic  nerve  has  at 
various  points  a  number  of  gangliform  plexuses ;  from  these, 
thread-like  filaments  arise,  which  radiate  and  connect  with  sim- 
ilar ganglions  found  on  the  cerebral  and  spinal  nerves.  On 
these  divergent  filaments  we  have  other  ganglionic  structures, 
which  send  branches  to  the  liver,  spleen,  kidneys,  etc. 

The  sympathetic  nerves  of  one  side  amalgamate  with  those 
of  the  opposite,  and  this  is  their  mode  of  communication. 

The  nerves  of  the  sympathetic  system  possess  a  certain  de- 
gree of  power  in  exciting  muscular  contractions,  as  well  as 
sympathetic  actions,  in  the  various  parts  to  which  they  are  dis- 
tributed. Carpenter  has  observed,  that  by  "  irritating  a  branch 
of  the  sympathetic  nerve  immediately  after  the  death  of  an 
animal,  contractions  may  be  excited  in  any  part  of  the  alimentary 
canal,  from  the  pharynx  to  the  rectum,  according  to  the  trunks 
which  are  irritated ;  in  the  heart,  after  its  ordinary  movements 
have  ceased,  in  the  aorta,  vena  cava,  and  thoracic  duct,  in  the 
ductus  choledochus,  uterus,  fallopian  tubes,  vas  deferens,  and 
vesiculae  seminales,  etc.  It  is  probable  that  the  sympathetic 
system  not  only  thus  brings  the  organic  functions  into  relation 
with  the  animal,  but  that  it  also  tends  to  harmonize  the  former 
with  each  other,  so  as  to  bring  the  various  acts  of  secretion, 
nutrition,  etc.,  into  mutual  conformity." 

There  are  several  orders  of  sympathetic  nerves ;  some  pass' 
into  the  parenchyma  of  the  organic  viscera ;  and  others  are 
distributed  on  the  outer  coats  of  arteries,  continuing  through- 
out their  minute  capillary  structures  into  the  papillae.  By  this 
arrangement  the  harmony  between  the  internal,  external,  and 
remote  parts  is  perpetuated. 

Correct  knowledge  regarding  the  sympathetic  relations  pe- 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  257 

culiar  to  animal  organization,  seems  absolutely  necessary  in 
order  to  correct  the  erroneous  impressions  that  some  persons 
have  formed  of  the  nature  and  seat  of  disease  incidental  to 
horses  and  cattle,  and  in  this  view  I  offer  these  preliminary  re- 
marks as  introductory  to  the  subjects  of  "  horn  and  tail  ails" 
(imaginary  diseases,  which  oftentimes,  perhaps  always,  are  the 
result  of  a  fertile  imagination,  or  rather  a  sequence  of  that 
faulty  mode  of  reasoning  which  confounds  effects  with  causes). 
Any  person  conversant  with  the  sympathetic  relations  existing 
in  the  animal  economy,  can  readily  discover  the  difference  be- 
tween a  pathological  condition  and  the  local  or  general  symp- 
toms which  usually  accompany  it.  An  animal,  for  example,  is 
attacked  with  acute  disease  of  the  liver ;  he  evinces  signs  of 
pain  from  pressure  on  the  right  or  off  side,  in  the  region  of  the 
liver,  and  possibly  the  lameness  is  of  so  grave  a  character  as 
to  mislead  the  non-medical  observer,  and  he  necessarily  con- 
cludes that  the  subject  is  lame,  "and  nothing  more,"  he  prescribes 
an  external  remedy  accordingly,  which  is  neither  calculated  to 
cure  nor  palliate  the  liver  difficulty.  Thus  for  want  of  the  ne- 
cessary knowledge,  the  symptoms  are  mistaken  for  the  disease. 

In  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs,  more  particularly 
of  the  stomach,  the  brain  is  usually  sympathetically  affected. 
The  symptoms  of  disturbance  in  that  organ  or  its  functions, 
may  escape  the  attention  of  the  "  cow-leach,"  yet  they  are  al- 
ways present,  and  range  from  what  has  been  observed  as 
"  dullness,"  up  to  somnolency,  accompanied  by  other  morbid 
phenomena  well  understood  by  the  physician, 

A  knowledge  of  these  and  other  sympathetic  relations  exist- 
ing throughout  the  animal  economy,  enables  us  to  understand 
what  occasions  vomiting  in  a  man,  when  a  blow  of  sufficient 
force  is  received  on  the  skull.  The  blow  arouses  a  certain  set 
of  involuntary  operations  which  the  subject  is  unable  to  con- 
trol, as  in  the  cases  of  vomiting,  etc.  It  explains,  also,  why 
giddiness  or  vertiginous  symptoms  usually  follow  when  a  blow 
is  received  on  the  region  of  the  stonaach  ;  how  the  impregnated 
uterus  influences  the  mammae  ^n^  stomach,  causing  increase  of 
function  an4  volume  in  the  former,  and  morning  nausea  in  the 
22* 


258         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

latter ;  how  a  diseased  condition  of  the  internal  mucous  mem- 
bi-ane  reacts  on  the  common  integument,  and  vice  versa.  Even 
in  the  osseous  structures,  the  law  of  sympathy  prevails.  A  dis- 
ease in  the  upper  extremity  of  the  bone  gives  rise  to  sympathetic 
pain  at  the  opposite  extremity.  (Consult  Hooper  and  Cooper 
on  the  hip-joint  lameness).  And  as  regards  the  muscles  and 
tendons,  there  exists  a  very  marked  sympathy,  although  in  the 
mind  of  pathologists  this  is  not  strange,  for  anatomically  con- 
sidered, the  tendons  are  neither  more  nor  less  than  tendinous 
terminations  of  muscles. 

Puncture  of  a  tendon  is  often  followed  by  great  derangement 
of  the  nervous  system,  and  other  pathological  conditions,  not 
unfrequently  ending  in  trismus  —  lockjaw.  This  is  owing  to 
the  same  law  of  sympathetic  association  just  alluded  to.  There 
is,  therefore,  a  tendency  in  certain  organs  to  become  deranged 
or  diseased  in  consequence  of  a  malady  locating  in  others,  al- 
though they  may  not  always  be  indentical  in  function. 


STKUCTURE  OF  THE  HEAD  AND  HORNS. 
For  cxi)lanation  see  p.  393. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  259 


HORN-AIL. 


Persons  who  are  in  the  habit  of  prescribing  for  sick  brutes, 
and  have  never  made  themselves  acquainted  with  the  sympa- 
thetic relations  existing  in  the  animal  economy,  to  which  I  have 
referred,  are  liable  to  commit  errors  in  diagnosing  disease,  and 
when  questioned  regarding  the  seat  of  the  same,  their  opinion 
generally  is,  that  the  suffering  animal  has  either  the  horn-ail 
or  tail-ail.  The  idea,  in  almost  all  cases,  is  so  supremely  ab- 
surd, that,  if  any  thing  other  than  a  living  animal  were  the 
subject  of  the  barbarities,  which  according  to  mistaken  notions 
of  cure  are  sure  to  follow,  I  should  feel  disposed  to  burlesque 
the  whole  procedure  regarding  both  horn-ail  and  its  treatment. 

In  my  opinion,  horn-ail,  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  one  hun- 
dred, exists  only  in  the  imagination  of  those  persons  who  allow 
error  to  overcome  their  better  judgment,  or  else  they  have  not 
given  the  subject  a  passing  thought ;  therefore,  they  are  incom- 
petent to  even  guess  at  the  true  nature  of  the  malady,  with  any 
chances  of  correctness.  No  allusion,  that  I  am  aware  of,  has 
ever  been  made  by  the  authors  of  standard  works  or  text 
books  on  veterinary  science,  to  horn-ail,  and  if  educated  vet- 
erinary surgeons  were  as  numerous  here  as  in  England  or 
France,  and  they  had  the  same  means  to  reach  the  ears  and 
the  understandings  of  our  husbandmen,  the  latter  would  soon 
be  convinced  of  the  absurdity  which  is  here  described,  and 
consequently  be  induced  to  protect  their  animals  from  that 
species  of  cruel  quackery,  or  ignorance,  which  would  refer  all 
their  aches  and  diseases  to  horns  or  tails,  and  which  sanctions 
the  boring  of  the  former,  and  curtailing  or  docking  the  latter. 

The  pathological  conditions  on  which  the  absurd  theory  of 
horn-ail  seems  to  be  founded,  are  heat  or  coldness  of  the  horns. 
These  are  the  principal,  and,  in  fact,  only  symptoms  which  the 
unlearned  expounders  of  a  popular  malady  have  given  us;  but 
every  one  ought  to  be  aware  that  variations  in  the  temperature 
of  a  part  so  inferiorly  organized  as  the  horns  are,  is  no  crite- 
rion as  regards  the  nature  of  the  disease  which  occasions  in 
this   vicinity  merely  an  increase  or  decrease  of  temperature. 


200         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

The  actual  disease  which  occasions  a  loss  or  increase  of  tem- 
perature of  the  external  surface  of  the  body,  horns  included, 
may  be,  and  often  is,  located  in  either  the  brain,  stomach,  or 
bowels,  and  at  other  times  is  the  result  of  local  congestions  of 
the  lungs  and  other  parts  —  mere  effects  —  the  results  of  pre- 
existing disease  ;  therefore,  I  contend  that  the  term  horn-ail, 
when  used  to  express  the  condition  of  parts  sympathetically 
affected  or  aroused,  throws  no  light  on  the  true  nature  of  the 
disease  under  which  the  animal  labors. 

I  shall  contend  that  neither  the  augmentation  nor  decrease 
in  the  temperature  of  the  horns  constitutes  actual  disease  of  the 
same ;  but  may  indicate  a  loss  of  equilibrium  in  the  circulation 
of  blood.  If  the  horns  are  at  fever-heat,  and  the  surface  of 
the  body  be  cool,  we  know  that  the  brain  or  its  membranes  may 
be  actively  or  passively  congested  ;  on  the  other  hand,  should 
the  horns  and  the  extremities  be  cold,  it  goes  to  prove  that  the 
animal  is  the  subject  of  internal  congestion  or  disease.  But 
why  locate  it  in  the  horns,  when  in  the  animal  economy  are 
found  so  many  hundred  parts,  sections,  and  divisions  of  parts, 
more  important,  sensitive,  and  of  vastly  more  consequence  to  the 
preservation  of  vital  integrity,  than  the  horns  "^  The  variations 
in  the  temperature  of  the  horns  and  other  parts  of  the  body, 
which  the  horn-ail  theorists  neglect  to  notice,  enter  into  a  class 
of  symptoms  from  and  by  means  of  which  an  educated  sur- 
geon makes  up  an  intelligent  and  correct  diagnosis,  and,  con- 
sequently are  only  of  value,  in  point  of  fact,  in  so  far  as  they 
go  to  show  the  actual  state  of  the  whole  animal  mechanism. 

The  proposition  admits  of  the  following  appropriate  and 
convincing  illustration :  A  man  is  attacked  with  acute  disease 
of  the  liver,  and  almost  always  experiences  a  pain  in  the  right 
shoulder,  a  purely  sympathetic  affection.  Now  it  would  be 
very  ridiculous  for  a  physician  to  overlook  the  diseased  con- 
dition of  the  liver,  and  merely  prescribe  for  the  sympathetic 
shoulder-lameness,  and  call  it  "  shouUer-aiV  Such  ignorance 
is  calamitous,  but  does  not  often  occur  when  the  educated  phy- 
sician is  employed ;  otherwise  it  doeg,  and  many  such  cases 
arc  quite  fresh  in  my  memory.     Now,  instead  of  prescribing 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  261 

local  agents,  as  some  have  done,  in  view  of  mitigating  sympa- 
thetic local  pain,  would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  reason 
and  science  to  administer  medicinal  agents,  such  as  are  calcu- 
lated to  restore  the  liver  to  a  natural  physiological  condition  ? 

A  man  who  thus  ignorantly  prescribes,  falls  irto  the  same 
error  with  him  who  would  refer  all  diseases  of  neat  stock  to 
their  horns  or  tails,  merely  because  the  parts  are  not  in  their 
natural  physiological  condition,  owing,  as  I  have  said,  to  actual 
disease  seated  -jlsewhere.  Thus  the  symptoms  are  mistaken 
for  the  disease,  and  the  treatment,  in  so  far  as  boring,  sawing 
off  horns,  and  curtailing  the  caudal  appendage  is  concerned, 
is  highly  injurious,  barbarous,  and,  in  these  enlightened  times, 
deplorable. 

It  requires  no  argument  to  convince  many  men  that  horn- 
ail  is  a  very  prevalent  disease,  for  the  false  doctrine  has  been 
promulgated,  and  has  received  attention  from  men  whose  do- 
mains extend  from  Maine  to  California.  The  error  has  been 
sown  broadcast,  and  has  acquired  such  hold  on  the  miLds  of 
some  that  it  will  take  many  years  to  root  out  the  evil.  One 
writer  on  this  subject,  believing  that  horn-ail  is»a  sort  of 
national  disease,  recommends  the  barn-yard  faculty  (for  no 
regular  physician  will  heed  his  advice)  to  cany  gimlets  in 
their  pockets,  so  that  they  may  be  armed  and  equipped  to  en- 
counter and  subdue  that  which  is  more  imaginary  than  real. 

I  have  made  examinations  of  the  bodies  of  cattle,  subsequent 
to  death,  said  to  have  died  of  horn-ail.  Among  them  were  evi- 
dent traces  of  softening  of  the  brain ;  and  this  is  a  feature  of 
disease  very  often  present,  as  I  shall  attempt  to  show,  in  many 
of  the  so  called  cases  of  horn-ail.  Softening  of  the  brain  is  a 
disease  of  so  grave  a  character,  that  any  morbid  symptoms 
attending  the  same,  as  local  heat  or  coldness  of  horns,  might 
compare  in  the  ratio  of  a  molehill  placed  beside  a  mountain. 

Softening  of  the  brain  is  the  ultimatum  of  a  grave  disease 
occurring  in  that  organ.  And  if  the  owners  of  live  stock  are 
disposed  to  believe  that  horn  difficulty  is  the  most  prepon- 
deiant  and  alarming,  and  they  can  sleep  soundly  in  the  belief 
that  no  danger  threatens,  then,  "  If  ignorance  is  bliss,  'tis  folly 


202  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

to  be  wise."  I  cannot  endorse  this  sentiment,  however  ;  for  in 
this  day  of  intellectual  maturity,  no  one  has  a  right  to  be  a 
dunce  in  his  chosen  profession,  nor  a  fool,  to  thwart  the  inten- 
tions of  those  who  would  substitute  light  for  darkness. 

Softening  of  the  brain  is  always  preceded  by  acute,  and, 
subsequently,  chronic  inflammation  of  the  same  or  its  investing 
tunics,  and  constitutes  the  last  stage  of  disease ;  so  that  the 
days  of  such  a  subject  are  numbered,  and  the  man  of  gimlet 
and  ignorance,  armed  with  his  munitions  of  warfare,  treats  the 
disease  at  long  odds ;  he  pockets  the  fees  but  loses  the  case. 
His  patient,  on  which  a  too  confiding  owner  has  foolishly  per- 
mitted him  to  practice  his  cruelty  and  legerdemain,  dies,  and 
he  knows  not  the  why  nor  the  wherefore. 

But  in  order  to  convince  the  reader  of  the  follies  of  the 
above  practice,  I  offer  the  following  illustration,  from  a  reliable 
source.  The  case  was  diagnosed  and  treated  as  horn-ail.  I 
quote  from  the  "  Southern  Planter :  "  — 

''  After  death,  examined  the  head.  Crest  between  horns 
perfectly  hollow.  All  the  little  divisions  and  offshoots  of  bone 
which  are  usually  found  in  the  cavity,  were  removed,  in  a 
greater  or  less  degree,  and  there  were  only  the  white  of  egg 
matter  and  pus  ;  the  horns  also  entirely  hollow,  one  of  them 
filled  with  nearly  a  pint  of  lymphy  and  purulent  matter  ;  the 
cavity  extending  to  the  orbit  of  the  eye,  thence  communicating 
with  the  nostrils,  especially  on  one  side.  The  brain,  which 
lies  in  very  near  contact  with  this  cavity  of  the  crest  (which  we 
may  as  well  call  the '  frontal  sinus),  was  softened  and  fallen,  in 
one  hemisphere,  into  a  thick  mush  ;  a  small  part  only  of  this 
half  was  of  healthy  consistency,  preserving  its  form  or  vessels 
entire.  The  other  half  (hemisphere)  was  not  softened,  but  the 
vessels  were  very  full  of  blood,  and  the  membranes  exhibited 
signs  of  intense  inflammation.  No  other  region  or  organs 
examined." 

In  regard  to  this  quotation  I  remark :  It  is  very  natural 
that  the  frontal  sinuses  should  be  hollow ;  for  if  they  were 
solid,  the  weight  of  the  head  would  be  enormous ;  and  I  can 
readily  perceive  the  wisdom  of  the  divine  Artist,  in  thus  adapt- 
ing the  parts  for  the  convenience  of  the  animal,  and  relieving 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  263 

him  of  what,  had  it  been  otherwise,  must  have  been  a  burden, 
and  would  have  required  powerful  muscles  to  support  the  head. 

The  bones  about  the  head  are  divided  into  two  plates,  sep- 
arated by  numerous  vacuities  or  cells ;  but,  unlike  those  of 
the  horse,  they  extend  through  the  whole  of  the  bone,  nay 
penetrate  even  through  the  parietal  and  occipital  bones  (see 
cut  p.  258). 

Hence  it  happens  that  the  frontal  sinuses  (so  these  cavities 
are  called  in  cattle,  as  well  as  the  horse)  extend  from  the  angle 
of  the  eye  to  the  very  foramen  through  which  the  brain  es- 
capes from  the  skull,  nay,  to  the  very  tip  of  the  horn.  Hence 
the  parts  may  be  said  to  be  hollow  ;  and  it  is  well  that  every 
farmer  should  know  this,  for  some  suppose  them  solid,  and  are 
very  much  surprised  to  find  them  hollow.  On  making  a  sec- 
tion of  the  horn,  from  tip  to  base,  it  will  be  found  partly  hollow, 
"  having  sinuses  that  extend  almost  to  its  tip." 

The  lymphy  and  purulent  matter  found  within  the  frontal 
sinuses  and  those  of  the  horn,  together  with  the  softening  of 
one  hemisphere .  of  the  brain,  proved  that  the  parts  were  all 
involved  in  disease  ;  but  then  the  disease  never  had  its  origin 
in  the  horn.  The  brain,  or  perhaps  its  membranes,  were  the 
primary  seat  of  the  affection,  and,  after  softening,  decomposing, 
involved  the  surrounding  parts  in  ruin.  "The  other  half  of 
the  brain  was  not  softened,  but  the  vessels  were  full  of  blood, 
and  the  membranes  exhibited  signs  of  intense  inflammation.'* 
Probably  this  was  the  state  of  affairs  in  the  diseased  hemis- 
phere, in  its  early  stage,  and  some  physical  impediments  to  ihe 
return  of  blood  from  the  brain  had  induced  cerebral  apoplexy. 
The  animal  was  in  a  plethoric  state,  "  very  fat."  TJiere  was 
too  great  redundancy  of  blood — just  the  subject  for  such  dis- 
ease. Softening  of  the  brain,  I  think,  would  be  a  better  des- 
ignation of  the  disease  than  "  horn-ail." 

The  editor  of  the  Planter ^  in  a  subsequent  number  of  his 
journal,  remarks,  "The  notion  that  this  disease  originates  in 
the  horn  itself,  seems  to  us  to  be  an  error,  resulting  from  that 
backward  mode  of  reasoning  which  confounds  symptoms  with 
disease.     The  disorder  in  that  organ,  '  the  horn,'  should  rather 


264  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

seem  to  be  secondary.  No  less  erroneous  do  we  deem  the 
opinion  held  by  some,  that  the  horn  becomes  frost-bitten,  and 
then  putrefies.  Though  its  whole  inner  surface  is  exceedingly 
vascular,  yet  it  is  perfectly  protected  by  the  almost  insensible 
horny*  covering  in  which  it  is  cased  throughout,  except  only  a 
very  minute  ring  at  its  base,  whose  pulsations  are  the  most  ac- 
curate index  of  the  pulse  ;  and  that  ring,  hardly  wider  than  a 
thread,  cannot  be  affected  by  cold.  When  it  is  considered  that 
the  horn  is  a  substance  of  lower  vitality  than  the  hoof,  which 
never  becomes  frost-bitten,  even  though  chilled  by  an  iron  shoe, 
reason  should  teach  us  that  it  cannot  be  injured  by  cold." 

A  similar  case  occurred  in  the  experience  of  the  editor  of 
the  Planter,  wiiich  "  ran  to  a  speedy  and  fatal  termination." 
Upon  dissection  of  the  head,  the  left  hemisphere  of  the  brain 
was  found  completely  "broken  down,"  or  disorganized;  the 
base  of  the  left  horn  was  slightly  implicated. 

The  introduction  of  a  •  gimlet,  therefore,  into  the  horns  of 
cattle  thus  affected,  and  afterwards  cramming  in  pepper,  tur- 
pentine, and  other  foreign  bodies,  cannot  possibly  reach  the 
disease  nor  benefit  the  animal,  but  is  apt  to  do  much  harm. 
For,  puncture  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  frontal  sinuses, 
which  generally  takes  place  when  the  instrument  is  introduced 
near  the  base  of  the  horn,  is  attended  with  danger,  both  as  re- 
gards inflammation  and  hemorrhage.  And  it  is  just  as  unwise 
to  fill  the  parts  with  pepper,  turpentine,  etc.,  in  view  of  cure, 
as  it  would  be  if  one  of  our  own  race  were  concerned. 

I  now  have  an  impression  that  the  reader,  like  myself,  has 
come  to  the  conclusion  that,  in  the  generality  of  cases  occurring 
among  neat  stock,  of  disease  christened  horn  and  tail-ails,  is 
located  elsewhere.  Yet  some  persons  contend  that  the  practice 
which  I  denominate  as  unscientific  and  barbarous,  saves  some 
of  the  afflicted  animals !  I  have  doubts  about  the  treatment 
saving  them.  They  may  survive  it ;  for  it  is  well  known  that 
both  men  and  animals  often  recover  after  an  unfavorable  prog- 
nosis is  made,  and  they  will  also  survive  very  severe  injuries, 
fractures,  punctures,  and  formidable  wounds,  etc.  So  that 
health  returns,  in  such  cases,  in  spite  of  the  violence  opposed  to 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  265 

it.  Hence,  if  an  animal  should  be  restored  to  health,  after 
having  been  compelled  to  submit  to  the  fashionable  barbarities 
of  horn-boring,  that  is  no  proof  of  the  utility  of  the  means 
used. 

If  we  could  only  collect  all  the  facts  in  the  case  of  an  animal 
said  to  be  the  subject  of  horn-ail,  we  should  probably  discover 
that  in  four  cases  out  of  five,  the  animal's  stomach  was  the 
seat  of  the  original  difficulty,  for  the  stomach  is  more  frequently 
deranged  than  any  other  organ  of  the  body,  and  it  often  occurs 
in  this -way :  A  man  has  a  cow,  an  ox,  or  a  lot  of  cattle,  which 
he  intends  to  bring  to  market,  in  view  of  exchanging  them 
for  dollars  and  cents.  He  puts  them  through  (as  the  modems 
have  it)  the  fattening  process,  furnishing  them  with  a  supera- 
bundance of  carbon,  in  the  form  of  meal  and  other  nitrogenous 
equivalents.  The  result  is,  an  accumulation  of  adipose  tissue ; 
the  animal  becomes  fat,  and  consequently  plethoric.  The  accu- 
mulation of  fat  offers  an  impediment  to  the  free  and  full  play  of 
the  heart,  lungs,  and  diaphragm ;  and,  should  the  subject  be  a 
pregnant  cow,  she  is  liable,  a  few  hours  after  the  period  of 
parturition,  to  be  attacked  with  milk  or  puerperal  fever,  or  con- 
vulsions. Therefore,  the  liability  to  disease  in  more  important 
structures  than  the  horns,  is  a  matter  that  I  seriously  urge 
our  itinerant  cattle  doctors  to  consider. 

Neat  stock  are  often  the  subjects  of  catarrh,  or  "  hoose^"*  as 
it  is  termed,  nasal  gleet,  etc.  In  either  case,  a  profuse  discharge 
occurs  from  the  surface  of  the  nasal  membrane,  extending  to 
the  frontal  sinuses,  up  to  the  very  tip  of  some  horns.  This  is 
often  called  horn-ail,  and  the  gimlet  is  brought  into  requisition, 
and  on  withdrawing  it,  some  of  the  ^^  matter'^  may  possibly  es- 
cape from  the  orifice.  Hence  the  gimlet  is  said  to  do  good.  This 
I  deny  ;  for  the  more  rational  way  of  favoring  the  discharge 
of  the  matter,  would  be  to  steam  the  nostrils,  and  adopt  such 
other  means  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  seem  to  require. 

Even  granting  what  some  contend  for ;  viz.,  that  an  abscess 

occasionally  forms  in  one  of  the  nasal  cavities,  then   it  would 

not  be  proper  to  bore  the  horns,  for  the  pus  must  necessarily 

be  enclosed  within  a  sac,  which  the  gimlet  may  rupture.    Then 

23 


2GG         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

the  morbid  matter  escapes  into  the  frontal  sinuses,  and  is  apt 
to  set  up  diseased  action  on  the  tissue  with  which  it  comes  in 
contact.  If  it  be  ever  necessary  to  puncture  an  abscess  of  this 
character,  it  should  be  done  by  way  of  the  nostrils. 

Even  should  the  animal  labor  under  any  disease  located 
within  the  horns,  the  introduction  of  a  gimlet  would  be  a  very 
unsafe  remedy,  as  all  veterinary  surgeons  are  ready  to  testify. 
It  is  a  dangerous  business  to  puncture  a  membrane  so  highly 
organized  as  that  found  within  the  frontal  sinuses,  *  especially 
when  so  rude  an  instrument  as  a  gimlet  is  used.  The  instru- 
ment must  lacerate  the  parts,  and  induce  severe  inflammation 
and  suppuration ;  consequently,  it  is  better  calculated  to  pro- 
duce disease  in  this  region  than  to  cure  one  existing  there. 

I  have  examined  many  animals  after  their  horns  have  been 
bored,  and  have  always  found  an  undue  degree  of  heat  in  the 
cranial  region;  throbbing  pulsations  about  the  base  of  the 
horn,  and  a  general  disturbance  of  the  functions  ;  sometimes 
an  accumulation  of  pus  within  the  cavity.  Then,  again,  in- 
ternal hemorrhage,  effusion,  etc.,  of  blood,  are  apt  to  occur  after 
boring  the  horns  ;  and  every  intelligent  physician  would  be  un- 
willing to  incur  the  risk  attending  it.  Many  a  valuable  animal 
has  been  lost  by  hemorrhage,  following  fracture,  puncture,  and 
sawing  off  the  horns. 

Horn-ail  is  said  to  be  so  prevalent  among  neat  stock,  that 
the  farmer  (in  the  imaginative  mood)  fears  it  as  he  would  the 
plague.  And  the  only  remedy  for  this  lamentable  state  of  ig- 
norance, is  for  farmers  to  use  their  reason,  godlike  and  rational, 
and  avail  themselves  of  the  experience  of  those  competent  to 
diagnose  disease  by  its  concomitant  and  persistent  symptoms. 

We  are  now  in  possession  of  fads  showing  that  the  intro- 
duction of  a  foreign  body  —  a  gimlet  —  may  induce  a  formid- 
able disease ;  therefore,  it  should  never  be  used. 

*  The  gimlet,  before  it  enters  the  lining  membrane  of  the  parts  (termed 
schniedcrian),  must  necessarily  puncture  a  highly  vascular  membrane 
(termed  periosteum) ;  the  external  covering  of  the  bony  column,  and  in- 
flammation and  suppuration  may  be  the  consequence,  ending  in  altered 
structure. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  .  267 

Among  the  diseases  mistaken  for  horn-ail,  I  name  indigestion  ; 
and  this  disease  is  almost  as  prevalent  among  neat  stock  as  it 
proves  to  be  among  the  members  of  the  human  family  in  this 
country.  Loss  of  cud,  or  a  cessation  of  rumination,  is  one  of" 
the  principal  symptoms  of  acute  indigestion.  I  made  an  au- 
topsy, in  a  case  of  this  character,  only  a  short  time  ago,  and 
found  the  abomasum,  or  fourth  compartment  of  the  stomach, 
enormously  distended  with  food ;  and  on  removing  the  same  the 
mucous  membrane  readily  peeled  off.  I  particularly  pointed 
out  the  pathological  appearances  as  they  occurred,  to  the  owner 
of  the  animal ;  but  as  he  had  made  up  his  mind  and  the  neigh- 
bors confirmed  his  opinion,  that  the  animal  was  the  subject  of 
horn-ail,  he  still  believes  that  the  trouble  first  commenced  in 
the  horns,  which  had  been  bored  in  several  places  ! 

I  am  not  contending  that  the  vascular  membrane  within  and 
without  the  osseous  structure  of  the  horns  and  contiguous  parts, 
enjoys  immunity  from  disease ;  it  is  subject  to  it,  as  are  other 
parts  precisely  identical  in  function  and  structure.  But  I  am 
exposing  a  false  theory,  which  confounds  functional  and  organic 
diseases  with  their  symptoms  or  manifestations. 

A  local  disease  of  the  horns  is  not  unusual.  For  example  : 
A  blow  in  the  region  of  the  base  of  the  horn  often  occasions  a 
local  affection ;  and  this  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  when  we  know 
that  the  parts  in  this  region  are  merely  defended  by  a  thin 
cuticular  envelope,  and  therefore  it  offers  but  little  protection 
to  the  sub-tissues.  This  region  is  denominated  by  brutal  men 
the  "  tender  spot ;  "  and  in  view  of  subduing  a  restive  animal 
they  aim  their  bludgeons  in  this  direction  with  terrible  effect. 
Local  injuries  of  this  character,  and  those  occurring  in  the 
savage  encounters  which  horned  animals  frequently  engage  in, 
the  boring  of  their  horns,  and  sawing  them  off,  etc.,  etc.,  are 
accidents  and  processes  more  or  less  operative  in  exciting  a 
local  affection. 

A  local  disease  of  this  character  admits  of  the  following 
demonstration ;  viz.,  percussion.  Percussion  is  the  art  of 
striking  various  parts  of  the  body  with  a  view  of  ascertain- 
ing the  seat  of  disease.     Every  substance,  when  thrown  into 


268         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

sonorous  vibration,  produces  a  sound,  the  tone  of  which  is 

peculiar  to  itself,  and  every  change  which  takes  place  in  the 

composition  of   that  substance,  or  in  the  arrangement  of  its 

component  parts,  is  accompanied  by  a  corresponding  change 

in  its  tone.     If  we  strike  a  solid  body,  it  emits  a  solid  sound  ; 

strike  an  empty  one,  and  it  emits  a  hollow  sound.     In   like 

manner,  if  we  strike  a  healthy  horn,  we  get  a  sound  of  hol- 

lowness.     When  the  horn  and  frontal  sinuses  are  occupied  by 

matter,  we  elicit  a  dull  sound  without  vibration.  The  difference 

between  the  sound  elicited  from  an  empty  barrel  and  that  from 

a  full  one,  or  the  sound  from  a  solid  post  and  that  from  a  hollow 

one,  when  struck  with  a  hammer,  is  not  more  remarkable  than 

in  the  cases  of  healthy  and  diseased  horns.      By  the   same 

means  we  diagnose  diseases  of  the  chest.     We  are,  therefore 

enabled,  with  absolute  certainty,  to  determine  the  presence  oi 

pus  within  the  horns.     And  keeping  in  view  the  history  oi 

the  case  which  it  is  our  business  to  inquire  into,  we  can  gener 

ally  tell  whether  or  not  such  abscesses  result  from  local  injurjr 

or  disease  within  the  parts,  or  if  it  be  the  sequence  of  some 

other  disease,  and  thus  regulate  our  treatment  accordingly. 

In  regard  to  the  treatment  of  an  abscess  located  in  the  region 

of  the  base  of  the  horns,  the  proper  method  is  to  trephine  the 

skull,  which  operation  can  only  be  performed  by  a  veterinary 

surgeon. 

TAIL- AIL. 

In  view  of  sustaining  the  respectability  of  veterinary  science 
and  my  own  professional  reputation,  I  would  inform  the  readei 
that  tail-ail  is  an  imaginary  disease,  appearing  only  in  lo- 
calities which  the  apostles  of  true  veterinary  science  have 
never  visited.  The  supposed  affection  is  said  to  induce  partial 
or  complete  paralysis  of  the  hinder  extremities,  and,  contrary 
to  the  principles  of  science  and  the  testimony  of  several  vet- 
erinary writers,  this  condition  is  often  termed  tail-ail.  The 
faulty  theory  is:  —  a  soft  spot  is  found  at  the  end  of  the  tail 
(this  is  a  feature  of  every  healthy  cow's  tail,  when  it  has  not 
been  docked),  which  takes  the  strength  out  of  her  back,  and 
produces  paralysis.     The  remedy  is,  either  to  amputate  the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  269 

caudal  appendage,  or  slit  open  the  soft  spot,  and  stuflf  in  tar, 
pepper,  salt,  or  whatever  remedy  neighbor  so  and  so  recom- 
mends. It  seems  a  pity  that  the  poor  animals  I  am  now  writ- 
ing about,  cannot,  like  their  masters,  receive  the  benefit* 
resulting  from  the  investigations  of  scientific  men,  in  improved 
methods  of  treating  disease.  However,  it  is  gratifying  to 
know  that  the  errors  of  the  past  are  fast  "  dying  out,"  and  that 
the  days  of  ignorance  are  numbered. 

The  tail  is  sometimes  the  seat  of  a  local  affection  arising 
from  blows,  etc.,  or  it  may  be  the  seat  of  a  cutaneous  dis- 
ease; but  neither  one  nor  the  other  can  be  of  so  grave  a 
character  as  to  produce  paralysis  of  the  posterior  limbs.  The 
soft  extremity  of  the  tail  may  also  occasionally  become  con- 
gested, or  else  oedematous  (dropsical).  But  these  states  of 
the  part  would  not  justify  a  man  in  cutting  off  the  tail,  for  the 
limbs  are  often  found  in  the  same  condition,  and  no  one  would 
ever  think  of  lopping  them  off;  for  the  remedy  would  be  worse 
than  the  disease,  and,  so  far  as  the  tail  is  concerned  in  being 
the  seat  of  local  congestion,  or  oedema,  there  is  no  disease  at 
all,  and  therefore  does  not  require  local  treatment.  But  I  am 
not  discussing  the  probabilities  of  diseases  of  the  tail.  This  is 
not  my  purpose.  I  only  aim  to  show  the  folly  of  making  the 
cow's  tail  the  indicator  of  the  various  diseases  of  her  body, 
and  also  that  of  confounding  a  disease  of  the  nervous  system 
with  a  slight  congestion  of  the  tail ;  and  farther,  the  folly  of 
arguing  that  the  cow's  strength  is  taken  out  of  her  back,  etc., 
because  the  end  of  her  tail  is  soft. 

If  the  tails  of  neat  stock,  or  those  of  any  other  animals, 
become  diseased,  in  the  name  of  humanity  let  them  be  pre- 
scribed for.  But  I  do  hope  that  those  who  read  this  ai'ticle 
will  never  be  caught  prying  into  the  end  of  the  above  useful 
appendage  for  the  purpose  of  demonstrating  that  which  never 
existed. 

Almost  all  animals  said  to  have  the  tail-ail,  are  laboring 
under  various  forms  of  disease  remote  from  the  tail,  and  how- 
ever diligent  men  may  be  in  performing  their  barbarous 
operation?;  on  the  same,  the  disease  under  which  the  animal 


27C         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

suffers,  perhaps  located  either  in  the  brain,  spinal  marrow,  liver, 
or  pancreas,  entirely  unsuspected,  may  progress  to  a  fatal  ter- 
mination, while  an  uneducated  cow-leech  is  amusing  himself 
by  taking  unwarrantable  liberties  with  the  uncomplaining 
animal's  tail.  I  am  often  told  that  animals  after  being  thus 
operated  on  get  well.  Very  likely.  Some  animals  will  en- 
dure the  most  cruel  torture,  and  I  once  saw  a  cow  in  apparent 
health  who  a  fortnight  previous  drank  a  pint  of  white  paint. 
Such  cases  I  look  upon  as  nothing  more  nor  less  than  lucky 
escapes.  I  shall  close  this  article  by  introducing  a  selection 
from  "  Youatt  on  Cattle." 

Mr.  Youatt,  when  treating  of  palsy,  thus  alludes  to  tail-ill, 
or  tail-slip  :  "  In  many  parts  of  the  kingdom,  palsy  is  traced 
to  a  most  ridiculous  cause.  The  original  evil  is  said  to  be  in 
the  tail ;  and  all  maladies  of  this  kind,  involving  the  partial  or 
total  loss  of  motion  in  the  hind  limbs  of  the  animal,  are  classed 
under  the  name  of  tail-ill,  or  tail-slip.  Our  friend,  Mr.  Dick, 
of  Edinburgh,  has  taken  up  this  subject  in  a  very  interesting 
point  of  view,  in  the  fourteenth  number  of  the  Journal  of  Ag- 
riculture ;  and  the  public  are  much  indebted  to  him  for  dis- 
pelling a  false,  injurious,  and  cruel  superstition.  The  farmer 
and  the  cow-leech  believe  that  the  mischief  passes  along  the 
cow's  tail  to  the  back,  and  that  it  is  on  account  of  something 
wrong  in  the  tail  that  she  loses  the  use  of  her  legs ;  and  then 
some  set  to  work  and  cut  the  cow's  tail  off,  while  others,  less 
cruel  or  more  scientific,  make  an  incision  into  the  under  sur- 
face, and  allow  the  wound  to  bleed  freely,  and  then  fill  it  up 
with  a  mixture  of  tar  and  salt,  and  we  know  not  what. 

"...  Mr.  Dick,  with  a  kind  consideration  for  which 
he  deserves  much  credit,  condescends  to  reason  the  case  with 
these  foolish  people  ;  and  what  he  says  is  so  much  to  the  pur- 
pose, that  we  cannot  refrain  from  introducing  it  here  :  '  The 
disease,  in  ordinary  cases,  is  said  to  consist  in  a  softening  about 
the  extremity  of  the  tail,  and  is  to  be  distinguished  by  the 
point  of  the  tail  being  easily  doubled  back  upon  itself,  and  hav- 
ing, at  this  doubling,  a  soft  and  rather  crepitating  kind  of  feel. 
But  what  is  the  real  state  of  the  case  ?   The  tail  is  lengthened  out 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


271 


to  the  extent  of  about  three  feet,  and  is  formed  like  a  common 
whip.  Towards  the  extremity,  the  bones  terminate  gradually, 
becoming  insensibly  smaller  as  they  proceed  downwards ;  at 
this  part  is  said  to  be  found  a  soft  place  —  the  tail-slip.  Beyond 
this  again,  a  firm  cartilaginous  portion  is  found,  covered  with  hair 
to  brush  off  the  flies  within  its  reach.  Now,  why  have  we  the 
long  columns  of  bones, —  the  termination  with  a  soft  space 
of  a  few  inches,  —  this  thickened,  hard,  cartilaginous  part 
at  the  very  extremity,  and  that  extremity  covered  with  hair, 
but  with  a  view  to  form  a  whip,  to  drive  off  with  the 
greatest  possible  effect  the  insects  which  wound  and  torment 
the  animal? 

After  such  testimony  as  the  above,  I  firmly  believe  that  the 
readers  of  this  work  will  never  be  caught  in  the  foolish  act  of 
locating  paralysis  at  the  extremity  of  the  caudal  appendage. 


A  VIEW  OF  SOME  OF  THE  SUPERFICIAL  MUSCLES. 

For  explanation  see  p.  392. 


272  TUE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

RHEUMmSM,  ACUTE  AND  CHRONIC. 

ACUTE  RHEUMATISM. 

Animals  that  are  unnecessarily  exposed  to  the  influences  of 
tempestuous  weather,  particularly  after  calving,  or  those  located 
in  a  cold,  damp,  or  swampy  region,  provided  they  are  the  sub- 
jects of  a  rheumatic  predisposition,  are  very  apt  to  suffer  from 
an  attack  of  this  painful  malady.  Therefore  it  may  be  truly  said 
that  the  same  causes  which  are  operative  in  the  system  of  the 
human  subject  to  produce  an  inflammatory  affection  of  this 
character,  act  precisely  the  same  in  all  animals. 

In  plain  language,  rheumatism  is  rheumatism,  in  whatever 
specimen  of  animality  it  may  be  found  :  it  is  usually  accom- 
panied by  pain,  heat,  and  tumefaction  in  the  region  of  joints  ; 
sometimes  it  is  located  in  muscles  ;  then,  again,  we  find  it  affect- 
ing the  fibrous  tissues  of  joints,  covering  of  muscles,  tendons, 
valves  of  the  heart,  joints,  back,  loins,  and  the  fibrous  tissues 
of  the  body.  It  is  always  characterized  by  a  strong,  full,  and 
unyielding  pulse.  It  always  leaves  the  purts  affected  in  a 
condition  predisposed  to  subsequent  attacks,  and,  according  to 
the  testimony  of  eminent  pathologists,  this  pathological  condi- 
tion is  reproduced  in  offspring,  and  constitutes  in  them  the 
inherent  tendency  to  the  disease. 

It  occurs  among  men  and  animals  at  all  seasons  of  the  year; 
yet,  at  the  period  of  sudden  transition  from  heat  to  cold,  it  is 
most  prevalent.  Animals  that  are  heated  by  exercise  and  then 
suffered  to  "  cool  off"  without  ordinary  care,  are  very  apt  to 
become  the  subjects  of  this  malady ;  so  that  prevention,  to  a 
certain  extent,  is  within  the  province  of  all  rational  beings ; 
and  in  the  exercise  of  preventive  measures,  we  may,  in  com- 
mon parlance,  "stave  off,"  for  a  time,  an  acute  disease,  although 
it  be  hereditary.  Rheumatism,  like  gout,  is  hereditary ;  no  edu- 
cated physician  ever  opposes  this  proposition;  it  developes 
itself  in  the  predisposed.  The  indirect  cause  is  obstructed 
perspiration.     Keep  the  animal  comfortably  warm  and  avoid 


THE  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  273 

undue  exposure,  and  then  we  have  a  remedy  against  the  devel- 
opment of  hereditary  rheumatism. 

Cattle,  calves,  and  horses  sometimes  suffer  from  rheumatic 
inflammation  in  the  fibrous  sheathinsf  envelopes  of  the  mus- 
cles of  the  neck,  constituting  what  is  popularly  known  as  the 
chords.  When  thus  affected,  the  animal  is  very  stiff,  remains  as 
much  as  possible  in  one  position,  and  is  unwilling  to  bend  his  neck 
either  one  way  or  the  other,  or  to  elevate  or  depress  his  head. 
There  is  always  more  or  less  fever,  with  a  strong,  full  pulse. 
Sometimes,  as  in  lumbago  in  the  human  subject  (this  is  only 
another  name  for  rheumatism),  it  affects  the  muscles  of  the 
back  and  loins,  causing  stiffness,  tenderness,  and  pain,  which 
are  especially  evinced  on  moving  or  turning  the  animal.  These 
rheumatic  affections  are  very  readily  produced  in  predisposed 
subjects,  by  exposure  to  rain  and  cold,  especially  when  accom- 
panied by  overheating  or  exhaustion. 

"  Rheumatism  sometimes  occurs  in  horses  and  cattle,  as  a 
prominent  symptom  of  that  epizootic  affection  which  usually 
receives  the  much-abused  title  of  influenza.  In  such  cases,  the 
rheumatism  is  of  a  somewhat  more  subacute  or  chronic  char- 
acter than  common,  and  is  accompanied  by  that  low,  debilitat- 
ing fever  so  often  the  concomitant  of  epizootic  maladies.  It 
usually  affects  all  parts  of  the  body  susceptible  of  the  rheumatic 
inflammation,  is  attended  particularly  by  those  symptoms  which 
indicate  disease  of  the  heart  and  pericardium,  as  an  intermit- 
tent pulse,  etc.,  and  often  terminates  fatally  by  effusions  into 
the  pleura  or  pericardium,  thus  causing  death  by  arresting  the 
motions  of  the  heart." 

The  reader  has  now  before  him  some  of  the  most  important 
features  of  acute  rheumatism,  and  I  shall  now  allude  to  the 
treatment. 

The  remedies  used  by  different  practitioners  are :  —  col- 
chicum,  calomel,  opium,  Dover  powder,  tartar  emetic,  cimicfuga, 
racemosa,  hellebore,  aconite,  iodine,  nitrate  of  potassa,  acetate 
of  ammonia.  Each  article  has  its  advocates,  and  at  certain 
stages  is  indicated.  I  have  great  faith  in  colchicum,  yet  have 
often  succeeded  in  producing  a  favorable  termination   in  the 


^74         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

use  of  guiacum,  nitrate  of  potassa,  and  liquor  acetate  of 
ammonia. 

The  theory  of  treatment  of  acute  rheumatism,  contemplates 
antiphlogistics,  to  be  continued  so  long  as  inflammatory  symp- 
toms shall  be  severe  ;  yet,  we  must  exercise  ordinary  discretion 
in  the  use  of  antiphlogistic  remedies ;  for,  should  we  continue 
them  until  all  inflammatory  symptoms  have  subsided,  we  may 
purge,  nauseate,  and  bleed  our  patients  into  the  vicinity  of 
death's  door,  without  accomplishing  our  object. 

The  old-fashioned  method  of  combating  an  inflammatory 
diathesis,  in  the  use  of  lancet  and  drastic  cathartics,  is  fast 
dying  out,  or  at  least  a  very  marked  change  for  the  better  is 
observed ;  and  practitioners  now  depend  more  on  sedatives, 
diuretics,  febrifuges,  and  nauseants,  than  on  the  above.  One 
of  the  principal  objects  in  the  treatment  of  acute  rheumatism 
is  to  excite  diaphoresis;  and  in  this  view  I  recommend  a 
solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia,  known  as  Liquor  Ammonice 
Acetatis.  This  is  an  excellent  febrifuge  and  diaphoretic,  and 
may  be  given  in  broken  doses  to  the  amount  of  eight  ounces  per 
day.  One  or  two  drachms  of  nitrate  of  potassa  (common  salt 
petre)  may  also  be  given  in  the  form  of  drink  ;  yet,  in  order  to 
insure  diaphoresis,  and  to  prevent  these  agents  passing  off  by 
the  kidneys,  the  heat  of  the  body  must  be  augmented  by  clothing. 

Practitioners  of  human  surgery  are  often  in  the  habit  of 
using  nitre,  in  much  larger  doses  than  I  have  dared  to  adminis- 
ter, yet,  ir;  some  cases,  with  marked  benefit  to  the  patient.* 

*  Nitrate  of  Potassa.  —  In  a  case  of  synovial  rheumatism,  this 
remedy  was  given  by  a  Boston  physician,  in  a  single  dose  of  one  ounce, 
dissolved  in  a  pint  and  a  half  of  barley  water.  This  was  followed  by 
one  grain  of  opium.  In  fifteen  hours  the  pulse  was  found  reduced,  and 
the  pain  absolutely  gone  ;  and  in  a  few  days  the  tongue  was  clean,  and 
the  swelling  entirely  abated.  The  remedy  caused  neither  emesis  nor 
catharsis,  but  passed  off  by  the  kidneys.  .  In  another  case  of  acute  syno- 
vial attack,  following  chronic  rheumatism,  the  same  dose  was  prescribed 
without  any  good  effect,  causing  active  catharsis.  Again,  half  an  ounce 
of  nitrate  of  potassa,  largely  diluted,  was  given  every  two  to  four  hours, 
until  the  patient  took  three  ounces  in  eighteen  hours,  with  two  doses  of 
opium  of  one  grain  each,  with  entire  relief  to  tiie  pain  and  fever.     When 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  275 

A  few  doses  of  nitre  will  probably  moderate  the  heart's  ac- 
tion, and  relieve  the  pain.  Should  it  fail  to  do  so,  I  should  give 
a  couple  of  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  Indian  hemp,  and  re- 
peat the  dose  at  intervals  of  two  hours,  until  some  symptoms 
of  improvement  are  observed.  Should  I  fail,  in  the  exhibition 
of  the  above  remedies,  to  lessen  the  heart's  action,  and  the  pulse 
be  fifty  or  more  per  minute,  the  breathing  hurried,  and  the 
pain  tormenting,  I  should  then  drench  the  animal  with  a  full 
dose  of  glauber  salts. 

The  bicarbonate  of  soda  is  a  very  valuable  adjunct  in  the 
treatment  of  acute  rheumatism,  because,  in  seven  cases  out  of 
ten,  the  whole  system  is  in  an  acid  condition  ;  and  if  we  can 
(in  the  language  of  the  chemist)  saturate  it  with  alkali,  or,  in 
other  words,  establish  an  alkaline  condition,  our  patient  is  then 
on  the  high  road  to  health. 

Now,  in  case  a  cathartic  be  indicated,  we  must  consider  the 
condition  of  the  patient.  He  may  be  suffering  excruciating  tor- 
ment, from  inflammation  of  the  pleura,  pericardium,  or  synovial 
membranes  ;  and  if  so,  our  object  must  be  to  mitigate  pain,  in 
the  use  of  Indian  hemp,  or  some  other  narcotic.  Should  the 
patient,  therefore,  exhibit  lameness  in  one  or  more  of  the  ex- 
tremities, and  the  joints  of  the  hind  or  fore  limbs  become  swollen 

the  potassa  was  reduced  to  drachm  doses,  nausea  and  vomiting  followed, 
which  were  relieved  by  vesication  with  aqua-ammonia,  the  blister  being 
sprinkled  with  half  a  grain  of  morphine.  The  patient  recovered. 
Another  physician  had  used  the  remedy  to  the  extent  of  half  an  ounce  in 
twenty-four  hours,  for  three  successive  days.  He  found  that  if  the  salt 
be  given  well  diluted,  it  will  purge,  and  vice  versa.  The  physicians  of 
the  Massachusetts  General  Hospital  had  used  the  remedy,  one  ounce  in 
twenty -four  hours,  without  good  effects,  and  its  use  was  abandoned.  It 
appears  to  be  conceded,  that  it  is  safe  to  give  the  remedy  in  this  quan- 
tity, although  symptoms  of  gastritis  sometimes  followed  its  use ;  but  it 
was  always  largely  diluted,  and  generally  in  demulcent  liquids.  We  are 
in  the  habit  of  giving  it  in  rheumatism  and  other  inflammatory  affections, 
in  doses  of  twenty  to  thirty  grains,  every  two  or  three  hours,  during  the 
period  of  excitement  or  exacerbation,  combined  with  tartar  emetic ;  but 
have  been  deterred  from  the  exhibition  of  the  larger  doses  above  men- 
tioned, from  fear  of  its  toxical  effect.  We  have  found  this  combination 
particularly  useful  in  pneumonia,  —  Memphis  Med.  Recorder. 


276    .      THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

and  painful,  a  local  application  may  be  of  some  service,  and  in 
this  view  I  recommend  the  following  : — 

Cod  Lirer  Oil, 3  ounces. 

Tincture  of  Lobelia, 1  ounce. 

Glycerine, 2  ounces. 

Chloroform, 2  ounces. 

Mix,  apply  a  portion  to  the  affected  limb  or  joint,  twice  daily. 

In  an  inflammatory  state  of  the  joints,  it  is  customary  to 
apply  cooling  applications,  yet  the  practice  is  open  to  the  fol- 
lowing objection ;  viz.,  it  may  augment  the  acute  symptoms  in 
and  around  the  joints,  while  it  lessens  them  on  the  surface  ; 
nevertheless,  if  an  action  of  the  cutaneous  vessels  can  be  main- 
tained, refrigerating  lotions  cannot  do  harm. 

So  soon  as  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  subsided,  and 
all  danger  of  internal  disease  seems  to  have  disappeared,  we 
must  commence  a  different  plan  of  treatment.  I  then  give 
tonics,  not  only  to  promote  the  convalescence  of  the  patient, 
but  also  in  order  to  prevent  the  disease  assuming  a  chronic  type, 
which  is  very  apt  to  be  the  case  when  the  prostrating  plan  of 
treatment  has  been  too  long  continued,  or  practised  with  undue 
severity.  From  among  the  following  agents  the  practitioner 
can  select  a  suitable  tonic :  Sulphate  of  iron,  cascarilla  bark, 
gentian,  quijl  bark,  quinine,  goldenseal,  camomile  flowers,  to 
either  of  which  a  small  portion  of  ginger  may  be  added  pro- 
vided a  stimulant  be  indicated. 

CHRONIC  RHEUMATISM. 

Chronic  rheumatism  is  generally  a  sequel  to  the  acute,  yet 
if  the  subject  be  closely  watched,  a  train  of  phenomena  may 
be  observed  very  similar  to  those  attending  the  acute  stage, 
yet  differing  in  its  gradual  accession,  obscure  state  of  the  phe- 
nomena, and  less  functional  and  structural  changes. 

At  times,  chronic  rheumatism  is  nothing  more  than  a  mod- 
ified and  protracted  state  of  the  acute  stage ;  it  is  migratory, 
like  the  former,  attacking  this,  that,  or  other  tissues,  without 
reference  to  its  original  locality.  For  example  :  a  horse  may, 
after  brisk  driving  and  subsequent  exposure,  become  lame  in 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  277 

the  region  of  the  fore  extremities  ;  this  lameness  may,  perhaps, 
be  defined  as  subacute  or  chronic  rheumatism,  from  the  fact 
that  there  is  no  increase  in  arterial  nor  respiratory  actions  ;  but 
the  first  thing  we  observe  is,  that  the  subject  is  laboring  under 
hypertrophy  of  the  heart,  perhaps  carditis,  or  endo-carditis ; 
and  this  is  proof  positive  of  the  migratory  character  of  rheu- 
matism. 

But  why  should  rheumatism  attack  the  heart  ?  This  is  quite 
an  interesting  question,  and  thus  I  answer  it :  The  physiology 
of  the  heart  instructs  us  that  its  motions  are  governed  by  the 
impression  made  upon  the  susceptible  nervous  tissues.  Its  re- 
sponses are  physiological  when  the  whole  system  is  unembar- 
rassed ;  it  is  the  centre,  not  only  of  circulation,  but  of  sym- 
pathy, and  responds  to  the  impressions  made  upon  the  general 
system ;  so  that  if  any  disturbance  shall  occur  in  the  animal 
economy,  in  the  form  of  fever,  spasm,  etc.,  or  the  animal  be 
affrighted,  punished,  or  exposed  to  sudden  variations  in  temper- 
ature, the  heart  is  one  of  the  organs  first  deranged.  Rheuma- 
tism, therefore,  being  migratory,  is  apt,  in  travelling  from  tissue 
to  tissue,  to  locate  on  a  deranged  organ,  especially  when  that 
organ  is  one  so  easily  excited  as  the  heart. 

CAUSES  OF  RHEIBIATISM. 

The  special  cause  of  rheumatism  is  hereditary  predisposition. 
In  certain  families  morbid  tendencies  are  transmitted  from  pa- 
rents to  offspring,  and  display  themselves  in  the  development 
of  parental  defect  and  deformity.  There  are,  also,  general  ex- 
citing causes,  such  as  exposure  after  perspiring  freely,  damp 
and  cold  stables ;  errors  in  diet  or  in  stable  and  l^arn  manage- 
ment, overwork,  etc. 

Principal  Symptoms  of  Chronic  Rheumatism.  —  The  subject 
is  generally  observed  to  travel  with  a  limited  or  stiffened  gait, 
when  first  taken  out  of  the  stable.  He  appears  "  stiffened  up," 
as  the  saying  is,  yet  "  limbers  up"  as  he  proceeds.  This  de- 
pends, however,  somewhat  on  the  temperature  of  the  atmos- 
phere ;  for  the  animal  is  nothing  less  than  a  walking  barometer, 
24 


278  THfi  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

and  the  slightest  alteration  in  the  weather  affects  him  very 
sensibly. 

The  disease  may  manifest  itself  in  the  diffuse  form,  affecting 
the  body  as  well  as  the  limbs  and  feet,  which  gives  to  the  an- 
imal a  sort  of  wiry,  spare  appearance ;  yet,  otherwise  he 
appears  well,  and  can  play  his  part  at  the  game  of  food  as  well 
as  any  creature.  In  the  absence  of  all  inflammatory  symptoms, 
this  peculiar  and  almost  ruined  condition  is  designated  by  some 
as  general  founder ;  and  as  no  one  has  ever  drawn  a  line  of  de- 
marcation between  what  is  known  to  medical  men  as  chronic 
rheumatism,  and  what  the  rest  of  the  world  denominate 
chronic  founder,  we  shall  consider  that  chronic  rheumatism  is 
founder,  and  vice  versa. 

Passing  from  the  diffuse  form,  this  chronic  affection  may 
locate  in  the  muscles  of  the  trunk.  Then  it  gets  the  name  of 
"  body  founder."  The  animal  is  then  unable  to  move  the  body  in 
lateral  directions,  without  showing  an  awkward  stiffness  ;  and  on 
being  made  to  turn  a  corner,  when  going  at  a  smart  gait,  a 
stiffness,  apparently  in  the  spinal  regions,  is  generally  per- 
ceived. 

At  times  it  locates  in  the  pectoral  region,  and,  in  consequence 
either  of  long-continued  pain  (which  is  known  to  exhaust  mus- 
cular rotundity)  or  innutrition,  the  parts  present  a  shrunken 
or  hollow  aspect.  In  the  absence  of  acute  symptoms,  this  is  the 
veritable  "  chest  founder  "  of  horses  and  cattle. 

A  disease  of  this  character,  long  confined  to  one  or  both 
shoulders,  is  often  followed  by  a  similar  wasting  of  the  spinatus 
muscles,  and  is  often  termed,  when  occurring  in  horses, 
'*  Sweeney. "  The  same  condition  of  parts,  however,  may  be  the 
consequence  of  diseased  feet ;  for  we  often  observe  an  atrophy 
or  wasting  of  the  above  muscles  in  animals  that  have  long  been 
the  subjects  of  chronic  laminitis,  and  altered  structures  about 
the  feet.  The  term  founder  is  often  applied  to  a  ruined  state 
of  these  parts.  Chronic  rheumatism  is  more  apt  to  localize 
itself  than  the  acute  kind,  and  once  located  it  is  not  so  easily 
removed,  although  the  animal  may  receive  benefit  from  the  or- 
dinary means,  such  as  warni '  clothing  and  stimulating  embro- 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  279 

cations,  yet,  when  exposed  to  wet  or  cold,  he  again  relapses 
into  his  former  condition,  travelling  stiff  and  lame  as  ever.  The 
stiffness  and  lameness,  if  there  be  any,  attending  chronic  rheu- 
matism, disappears,  to  a  certain  extent,  after  a  brisk  trot, 
whereas,  acute  rheumatism  is  generally  aggravated  by  exercise. 

Chronic  rheumatism  may,  however,  appear  in  one  spot  to- 
day, and  to-morrow  manifest  itself  in  another,  yet  the  affected 
parts  exhibit  none  of  the  heat  nor  tenderness,  difficult  res- 
piration, wiry  pulse,  nor  functional  disturbance  which  attends 
the  acute  stage ;  so  that  the  difference  between  the  acute  and 
chronic  conditions  of  this  affection  is  very  marked. 

Treatment  of  Chronic  Rheumatism,  —  Local  treatment  con- 
sists in  the  application  of  vapor,  warm  blankets,  and  leggings, 
and  stimulating  liniments,  the  patient  to  be  located  in  a  warm 
yet  ventilated  stable. 

The  following  is  probably  one  of  the  best  local  applica- 
tions :  — 

Sulphuric  Ether, 2  ounces. 

Oil  of  Cedar, 1  ounce. 

Camphor, 1  ounce. 

Proof  Spirit, 1  pint. 

Soft  Soap, 1  giU. 

Dissolve  the  oil  of  cedar  in  the  sulphuric  ether ;  then  dis- 
solve the  camphor  first  and  soap  afterwards  in  the  proof  spirit, 
and  mix. 

Apply  a  portion  of  the  above  to  the  affected  parts,  night  and 
morning,  so  long  as  the  case  seems  to  require  it. 

Constitutional  Treatment.  —  The  constitutional  remedies  are 
various,  those  entitled  to  our  greatest  confidence  are : — 

First.  —  Medicines  which  act  upon  the  cutaneous  vessels. 

Secondly.  —  Medicines  recognized  as  pure  tonics,  which  im- 
part tone  and  activity  to  organs  without  inducing  subsequent 
prostration. 

Thirdly. —  Medicines  known  as  general  stimulants,  that 
excite  without  depression. 

As  an  example  of  the  above,  I  offer  the  following  for- 
mulae:— 


280         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

^         Thayer's  Fluid  Extract  of  Black  Cohosh,  diaphoretic, 2  ounces. 

"  "  "         Gentian,  pure  tonic, 2  ounces. 

"  "  "         Jamaica  Ginger,  stimulant, 1  ounce. 

Syrup  of  Garlic,  antispasmodic, 4  ounces. 

One-fourth  of  this  mixture  may  be  given,  night  and  morni)-  f\ 
in  the  form  of  drench. 

Other  medicines  are  in  high  repute,  such,  for  example,  as 
hydriodate  of  potassa,  nitrate  of  potassa,  phosphate  of  ammo- 
nia, camphor,  capsicum,  tincture  of  white  mustard  seed,  etc. 


THE    LIVER    AND    ITS    DISEASES. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

The  liver  is  the  largest  gland  in  the  body ;  unlike  the  liver 
of  a  horse,  it  has  a  large  resei-voir  for  the  reception  of  the  bile, 
called  the  gall  bladder.  In  form  it  is  irregular,  being  convex 
anteriorly,  or  towards  the  diaphragm,  with  which  it  is  in  con- 
tact, and  concave  on  its  posterior  surface,  or  towards  and  in  the 
vicinity  of  a  part  of  the  stomach.  It  is  composed  of  two 
lobes.  That  on  the  right  side  is  the  largest ;  the  central  por- 
tion of  the  gland  is  the  thickest,  and  it  gradually  becomes  thin 
towards  its  borders.  The  mass  consists  of  a  vast  number  of 
minute  lobules,  varying  in  size  and  form,  containing  a  network 
of  biliary  ducts  connected  with  their  main  trunks,  and  a  large 
number  of  biliary  cells ;  and  each  is  connected  in  like  manner 
with  three  bloodvessels  ;  namely,  the  hepatic,  or  nutrient  ar- 
tery of  the  liver ;  the  vena  portae,  which  returns  the  venous  blood 
after  it  has  circulated  through  the  intestines  ;  the  hepatic  vein, 
which  carries  back  the  blood  received  from  both  the  other 
sources.  It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  that  the  venous  blood,  which 
is  brought  to  the  liver  by  the  vena  portae,  is  intended  for  the 
elimination  of  bile.  Therefore,  this  vessel  seems  to  act  in  the 
double  capacity  of  vein  and  artery ;  for,  as  a  vein  it  receives 
blood  from  the  abdominal  viscera ;  as  an  artery  it  ramifies 
through  the  liver,  forms  a  capillary  network,  and  then  secretes 
the  bile.  From  this  capillary  network,  which  can  be  traced 
to  the  centre  of  the  minute  lobules,  the  hepatic  vein  takes  its 


THB   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  281 

origin,  collecting  the  blood  from  the  capillary  network.  It 
then  unites  with  other  radicles  to  form  the  main  trunk,  by 
which  it  is  delivered  into  the  vena  cava  (see  heart  and  its 
functions). 

The  branches  of  the  hepatic  artery  are  principally  distrib- 
uted upon  the  walls  of  the  hepatic  ducts,  and  upon  the  trunks 
and  branches  of  the  portal  and  hepatic  veins,  supplying  these 
and  the  contiguous  parts  with  the  necessary  amount  of  arterial 
blood  for  their  nourishment,  as  well  as  that  of  the  whole  gland. 

The  investing  membrane  of  the  liver,  from  which  prolonga- 
tions extend  into  its  substance,  is  termed  Glisson's  capsule. 

The  liver  derives  its  nerves  and  nervo-vital  power,  from  the 
great  sympathetic  and  eighth  pair. 

The  liver  is  confined  to  its  situation  by  ligaments,  which  get 
the  name  of  broad,  lateral,  coronary,  and  round.  The  round 
ligament  is  the  remains  of  the  umbilical  vein  of  the  foetus. 
The  others  are  continuations  or  duplicatures  of  the  peritoneum. 

SECRETION    OF   BILE,    ITS    USES,   ETC. 

The  bile  is  secreted  from  the  capillaries  of  the  hepatic  ar- 
tery, by  minute  glands  found  on  the  surface  of  the  biliary  ducts. 
It  then  passes  through  the  biliary  pores  and  branches  of  the 
hepatic  duct.  By  this  duct  it  is  conveyed  to  the  ductus  com- 
munis choledochus,*  from  whence,  in  part,  it  passes  by.  the  cystic 
duct  to  the  gall  bladder.  When  needed  in  the  duodenum,  it  re- 
turns by  the  cystic  duct,  and  mixes  in  the  ductus  communis 
choledochus  with  fresh  bile  from  the  hepatic  duct,  and  then 
passes  into  the  duodenum.  The  bile  having  entered  the  in- 
testine mixes  with  the  aliment  and  pancreatic  juice.  The 
pancreatic  juice  changes  the  digested  aliment  into  a  brown 
mass,  termed  chyme,  and  then  emulsifies  it.  After  being  emul- 
sified, a  portion  of  the  chyle  is  taken  up  by  the  lacteals  and 
enters  the  receptaculum  chyli. 

In  a  healthy  state  of  the  system,  should  any  bile  escape  with 

*  Union  of  the  cystic  and  hepatic  ducts. 
24* 


282         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the  chyle,  it  is  absorbed  by  the  mesenteric  glands,  and  returns 
to  the  liver  by  the  vena  portae. 

GALL   BLADDER. 

The  gall  bladder  is  a  pear-shaped  bag  connected  with  the  con- 
cave and  posterior  surface  of  the  liver,  by  the  above  vessels 
and  cellular  membrane ;  it  has  four  coats  termed  peritoneal, 
cellular,  muscular,  and  villous.  The  villous  coat  is  the  internal 
one,  and  is  thrown  into  numorous  minute  folds,  arranged  in  a 
reticular  form,  filled  with  small  ducts  or  follicles,  and  glands. 
The  latter  secrete  a  fluid  for  the  protection  of  the  internal 
surface. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

Cattle  and  young  stock,  when  fed  too  high,  or  when  allowed 
to  luxuriate  in  a  rich  meadow,  are  often  attacked  with  an  acute 
disease  of  the  liver.  The  principal  symptoms  of  this  malady 
are  yellowness  of  the  membrane  which  lines  the  eyelids,  and 
covers  that  part  known  as  the  "  white  of  the  eye."  The  vis- 
ible surfaces  of  the  mouth  are  also  of  a  yellow  tinge.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  above  symptoms,  the  animal  is  feverish,  thirsty ; 
mouth  and  base  of  the  horns  hot ;  pulse  accelerated ;  breath- 
ing rather  laborious  ;  rumination  is  suspended,  and  the  animal 
is  said  to  have  "  lost  its  cud."  Some  fulness  will  also  generally 
be  observed  on  the  right  side,  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  and 
the  animal  will  occasionally  turn  its  head  in  that  direction,  as 
if  it  were  the  seat  of  pain,  which  is  probably  the  case  ;  yet  the 
most  reliable  symptoms,  in  a  disease  of  this  character,  are  a 
yellow  tinge  of  the  visible  surfaces,  accompanied  by  febrile 
symptoms. 

Treatment  of  Inflammation  of  the  Liver.  —  The  most  ra- 
tional method  of  treating  this  disease,  is  to  endeavor  to  mitigate 
the  inflammatory  diathesis,  and  restore  the  normal  function  of 
the  liver.  In  view  of  accomplishing  these  desirable  results,  I 
recommend  the  following  prescription  :  — 

Glauber  Salts, 16  ounces. 

Powdered  Mandrake, .2  drachms. 


THE    DISEASES    OP    CATTLE.  283 

The  salts  should  be  dissolved  in  one  quart  of  tepid  water ; 
then  add  the  mandrake,  and  drench  the  animal  by  means  of  a 
common  porter  bottle.  This  drench  should  be  poured  down 
the  oesophagus,  in  a  gradual  manner,  so  as  to  prevent  its  being 
received  into  the  rumen,  or  paunch. 

The  patient  should,  if  possible,  be  dieted  on  green  fodder ; 
if  such  cannot  be  procured,  some  sliced  cabbages,  turnips,  or 
carrots  may  be  substituted.  A  teaspoonful  of  mandrake  should 
be  given  daily  in  the  food,  until  the  visible  surfaces  assume 
their  natural  color.  A  curable  case  will  generally  yield  under 
the  above  treatment. 

This  disease  sometimes  runs  into  a  chronic  type,  and  is 
known  by  the  yellow  color  of  visible  surfaces  ;  dull,  sleepy 
appearance  of  the  subject,  and  absence  of  those  acute  symp- 
toms which  are  invariably  present  in  the  inflammatory  stage. 
A  chronic  disease  of  this  character  may  exist  for  months  and 
even  years  without  interfering  very  essentially  with  the  gen- 
eral health ;  finally,  however,  the  liver  undergoes  alterations 
in  structure,  becomes  hardened  or  indurated,  or  else  it  becomes 
tuberculous,  or  is  the  seat  of  hydatids,  and  the  fluke-worm  is 
often  found  in  the  ducts. 

Treatment  of  Chronic  Disease  of  the  Liver :  —  Take 

Powdered  Iodide  of  Potassium, 2  drachms. 

"  Goldenseal, bounces.      Mix. 

Divide  the  mass  into  six  equal  parts,  and  give  one  in  a  little 
water  every  morning  on  an  empty  stomach. 

The  medicine  may  be  continued  for  some  length  of  time 
without  the  least  danger.  If  this  treatment  does  not  benefit 
the  animal,  the  case  is  probably  incuraljje. 

HYDATIDS. 

Hydatids,  commonly  known  as  ^^ftukes,'  consist  of  a  sac 
or  vesicle  filled  with  fluid.  To  the  naked  eye  it  appears  as  a 
simple  enveloping  cyst ;  but  on  examining  it  more  closely,  by 
means  of  the  microscope,  it  shows  many  tunics  or  coats,  and 
these  are  the  rudimentary  cells  in  various  stages  of  growth. 
According  to  Carpenter,  these  rudimentary  developments  pro- 


284         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

ject  more  and  more  into  the  parent  cell,  and  at  last  become 
detached  from  its  wall,  and  lie  loosely  within  it.  Shortly  be- 
fore this  separation,  however,  the  young  hydatid  is  seen  to 
contain  smaller  cells,  which  increase  in  size  along  with  it. 
This  increase  continues  until  the  new  brood  thus  formed 
entirely  fills  the  cavity  of  the  parent,  and  a  farther  increase 
causes  the  rupture  of  the  sac  and  the  escape  of  the  progeny ; 
and  these  in  their  turn  undergo  the  same  evolution,  becoming 
parent  hydatids  in  distinct  cysts,  and  setting  free  their  contained 
cells  as  a  subsequent  generation.  These  cystic  entozoa  are 
never  found  in  the  alimentary  canal,  but  are  always  embedded 
in  the  liver,  brain,  or  glands  of  organs.  They  obtain  their 
food  by  absorption  from  the  inner  surface  of  the  investing 
membrane.  Hydatids  infest  the  various  organs  of  the  bodies 
of  all  mammalia,  and,  although  they  are  said  to  possess  an 
independent  existence  while  residents  of  the  organ  or  organs 
which  they  inhabit,  they  die  immediately  when  removed  from 
their  chosen  habitation. 

"  *  The  principal  genera  of  cystic  entozoa  are — cysticercus, 
coenurus,  echinococcus ;  to  which  may  be  added  acephalocystis. 
Several  species  of  cysticercus  are  enumerated,  but  the  most 
common  are  cysticercus  tenicollis  and  cysticercus  cellulosus. 
The  former  (taenia  hydatagenia,  hydatis  globosa)  is  met  with 
frequently  in  the  peritoneum  and  pleura  of  ruminating  animals 
and  pigs.  It  is  often  generated  in  the  disease  called  rot,  where 
another  entozoon,  the  distoma  or  fluke  worm,  is  met  with  in 
the  biliary  ducts  (liver).  The  cysticercus  cellulosis  is  found 
generally  lodged  in  the  tissues  of  the  muscles  ;  it  occurs  some- 
times in  man,  but  mor^  frequently  in  animals,  particularly  in 
the  hog,  where  it  causes  the  disease  denominated  measles.  Of 
the  genus  coenurus  (hydatis  polycephalus),  the  species  cere- 
bralis  is  found  in  the  brain  of  the  sheep,  oxen,  and  other 
ruminating  animals.  These  hydatids  on  the  brain  of  sheep 
cause  the  disease  called  sturdy,  or  giddiness.  The  hydatids 
belonging  to  the  genus  echinococcus  are  considered  by  some 
as  varieties  of  the  acephalocyst.  They  are  commonly  called 
♦  Pan,  in  the  London  Field. 


THE    DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.       '  285 

granular  hydatids,  from  the  presence  of  numerous  granules 
which  float  in  the  fluid  of  the  cyst,  or  adhere  to  its  walls. 
There  are  two  species  of  echinococcus ;  one,  echinococcus 
hominis,  has  been  met  with  in  the  brain  and  abdomen  of  man, 
in  a  few  instances ;  the  other,  echinococcus  veterinorum,  occurs 
in  the  hog  and  other  animals. 

"The  following  is  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  John  Gamgee, 
Edinburgh,  on  sturdy  in  sheep,  in  which  much  useful  in- 
formation relative  to  parasites  is  given. 

"  *  The  more  inquiries  made,  the  more  accurate  will  the  con- 
clusion arrived  at  by  scientific  men  appear,  that  dogs  and 
sheep  must  live  together  for  certain  parasites  to  extend  their 
ravages  with  effect.  On  all  the  sheep  farms  I  visited  last  sum- 
mer, sturdy  was  complained  of,  and  on  all  such  farms  there 
were  dogs.  Such  was  the  case  at  Cainiton,  Mill  of  Kincarn- 
ardine,  on  Glendye,  and  in  other  localities.  Mr.  Falconer,  of 
Balnakettle,  a  gentleman  of  great  experience,  and  other  farm- 
ers, assured  me  that  there  has  been  more  giddiness  in  sheep 
within  the  last  two  or  three  years  than  they  had  ever  witnessed 
before,  and  the  losses  in  consequence  are  sometimes  greater 
than  by  that  fatal  malady,  "  braxy."  This  clearly  does  not 
depend  on  a  large  number  of  dogs  being  kept ;  but  there  are 
many  conditions  affecting  the  propagation  of  parasites,  and  if 
destructive  agencies  were  not  as  universal  as  the  productive, 
much  more  effectually  would  vermin  and  parasites  multiply 
and  spread  their  baneful  influence,  to  the  detriment  of  man- 
kind. It  is  accidental  circumstances  that  affect  the  develop- 
ment of  diseases  of  animals.  If  every  germ  produced  by  a 
single  tape-worm  in  a  limited  period  of  time  were  to  take 
effect,  it  would  be  quite  sufficient  to  exterminate  the  flocks  of 
Great  Britain ;  but,  I  repeat,  the  laws  established  to  procure 
the  multiplication  of  any  animal  are  counteracted  by  an  infinity 
of  uncontrolled,  but  perhaps  not  uncontrollable,  agencies.  The 
latent  vitality  of  the  eggs  of  such  parasites  is  extremely  dif- 
ficult to  destroy,  and,  to  use  the  words  of  one  of  Kuchenraelster's 
reviewers,  after  months  of  exposure  to  warmth  and  moisture^  the 
pulpy  and  putrid  debris  of  segments  of  the  taenia  solium  yield 


286         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

ova  which  show  no  sign  of  any  approach  of  degeneration  or 
decay.  And  the  writer  of  this  review  has  been  struck  by  the 
remarkable  way  in  which  the  size  and  structure  of  these  ova 
allow  them  to  elude  all  precautions  that  may  be  taken  against 
their  mechanical  dispersion.  In  spite  of  every  attempt  to  in- 
sure their  destruction,  by  steeping  the  specimen  glasses  he  may 
have  used  in  strong  acids,  and  by  afterwards  bathing  them  in 
the  flame  of  a  spirit-lamp,  he  has  once  or  twice  found  the 
characteristic  ova  appear  most  unaccountably  in  healthy  and 
diseased  tissues  of  secretions  of  the  human  body,  which  he 
has  subsequently  examined  with  these  glasses.  The  dissolution 
of  the  parent  tissues  ultimately  sets  free  the  eggs  contained  in 
their  interior,  to  be  carried  by  the  winds  and  waves  wherever 
accident  may  determine.  How  vast  a  number  of  them  miscarry, 
is  evident  when  we  attempt  to  take  the  census  of  a  single  tape- 
worm. Or,  imagine  the  million  of  eggs  such  a  parent  foists 
upon  society  during  the  years  it  may  inhabit  a  given  animal. 
What  becomes  of  these  abortive  germs,  how  long  they  retain 
any  vitality,  and  what  are  the  circumstances  that  may  rob 
them  of  it,  are  questions  we  cannot-  answer,  save  by  the  con- 
jecture that  their  albuminous  and  fatty  materials  are  either  ap- 
plied to  the  soil  in  a  decomposed  form,  or  are  consumed  as  food 
by  various  of  the  minute  intervertebrata  that  throng  the  sur- 
face of  the  earth  and  the  waters.  But  the  more  fortunate 
minority  of  these  eggs,  the  destiny  of  which  is  to  eat  instead  of 
being  eaten,  after  many  and  long  wanderings  of  this  passive 
nature,  are  at  length  engulfed  by  some  unconscious  animal  in 
company  with  its  food,  and  through  its  alimentary  canal  attain 
the  locality  of  their  second  form  of  existence.  During  this 
passive  emigration,  the  worm  has  retained  its  previous  size 
(l-700th  of  an  inch)  and  shape.  But  its  thick  wall  bursts 
and  sets  free  the  inclosed  embryo,  which  is  an  ovoid  body,  of 
nearly  equal  size,  armed  with  six  booklets  at  one  extremity. 
Impelled  by  instinct  to  begin  its  active  migration,  the  embryo 
pierces  the  first  portion  of  its  path,  by  bringing  together  the 
anterior  pair  of  hooks  so  as  to  form  with  them  a  kind  of  wedge- 
shaped  stiletto,  and  now   drags  itself  forward    in    the  same 


THE     DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  287 

direction  by  means  of  the  succeeding  pairs  of  hooks,  which  it 
uses  like  a  person  who,  in  attempting  to  get  out  of  a  bow- 
window,  thrusts  himself  forward  by  his  elbows.  In  this  way 
the  minute  embryo  penetrates  the  body  it  inhabits,  and  only  in- 
creases its  eflforts  on  reaching  the  place  its  instinct  recognizes 
as  suitable  for  its  abode,  prior  to  the  next  series  of  changes 
it  has  to  undergo.  Streaks  of  re-active  inflammation  and 
exudation  generally  indicate  the  minute  channel  by  which 
the  embryo  thus  traverses  the  wall  of  the  digestive  canal,  in 
its  course  to  the  liver  or  other  organs.  The  migration  of  a 
taenia  is  probably  a  passive  process.  Various  facts  suggest 
it  to  be  so —  *  a  true  locomotion,  effected  under  the  impulse 
of  an  instinct,  and  by  means  of  certain  special  organs.  The 
germs  of  parasites  are  evidently  carried  through  the  system 
in  the  stream  of  circulating  blood,  and  they  do  not  always 
travel  themselves  through  the  interstices  of  tissues.' 

"  Sturdy  was  long  considered  as  dependent  on  a  simple  ac- 
cumulation of  water  on  the  brain,  generally  affecting  one  side. 
Loecke  had  observed,  in  1780,  that  the  water-bladders  on  the 
brain  of  giddy  sheep  were  animals ;  and  Fabricus  (Harvey's 
master)  was  the  first  to  assert  the  same  respecting  the  cys- 
ticercus  of  the  pig.  Albildguard,  the  founder  of  the  Copen- 
hagen Veterinary  School,  observed  that  a  tape- worm  (the 
bothriocephalus  latus)  which  existed  in  the  abdominal  cavity 
of  the  stickle-back,  and  in  the  intestinal  canal  of  certain  water 
birds,  never  had  eggs  in  the  former  but  only  in  the  latter  situa- 
tion ;  and  that  from  the  first-mentioned  creature  it  passed  into 
the  second,  he  ascertained  by  direct  experiments  with  ducks, 
which  he  fed  on  banstick4es.  Goetze,  in  1782,  had  perceived 
the  great  resemblance  between  the  head  of  the  hydatid  of  the 
liver  of  mice  and  rats,  the  cysticercus  fasciolaris,  and  of  the 
tape-worm  of  the  cat,  taenia  crassicollis.  The  cercariae  was  first 
studied  by  Miiller,  and  lastly  by  Bejanus,  in  1818,  who  recog- 
nized them  as  parasitic,  in  certain  snails,  inclosed  in  bags.  M. 
Wagner  and  Von  Siebold  and  Steenstrup  fancied  they  had 
discovered  the  change  cercariae  underwent  to  become  true 
fluke-worms.     Ehrenbreg,  in  1852,  disputed  Steenstrup's  ac- 


288         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

cepted  metamorphoses,  and  only  gives  the  resemblance  of  the 
tailless  cercarioe,  with  a  trematode  worm.  Dr.  Kuchenmeister, 
of  Zittau,  instituted  ingenious  experiments  to  settle  these  hy- 
potheses. He  made  dogs  and  cats  swallow  hydatids,  which 
developed  into  tape-worms  in  the  intestines.  From  the  hyda- 
tids of  the  liver  of  cats  and  mice,  the  taenia  crassicollis  in  the 
intestines  of  the  cat  arose;  and  from  the  cysticercus  of  the 
hare  and  rabbit,  the  taenia  serrata  in  the  intestine  of  the  dog  ;  so 
that  if  the  water-bladder  is  lost,  the  head  of  the  worm  attaches 
itself  to  the  head  of  the  mucous  membrane,  the  rings  constitut- 
ing the  body  of  the  tape-worms,  including  the  organs  of  repro- 
duction, and  they  are  thus  formed.  By  repeated  experiments 
made  by  several  eminent  zoologists,  the  deductions  were  con- 
firmed." 

The  liver  is  sometimes  enormously  enlarged,  in  consequence 
of  the  presence  of  a  numerous  progeny  of  the  fluke-worm. 
The  following  case,  contributed  for  The  Veterinarian,  by  Sur- 
geon J.  B.  Gregory,  will  serve  to  illustrate  this  matter.  The 
mtfrbid  parts  referred  to  were  sent  by  Mr.  Gregory  to  the 
editor  of  The  Veterinarian,  who  makes  the  remarks  enclosed  in 
brackets. 

"The  morbid  parts  I  send  were  taken  from  a  well-bred, 
short-horned  cow,  six  years  old,  estimated  to  weigh,  when  fat, 
one  hundred  twenty-five  stones  of  eight  pounds.  She  was  pur- 
chased in  August  last,  with  a  warranty  to  calve  in  Novem- 
ber following.  On  September  2d,  her  owner  called  on  me,  and 
wished  me  to  give  her  some  medicine,  as  he  thought  she  was 
not  quite  recovered  from  the  effects  of  being  driven  sixteen 
miles.  The  medicine  I  sent  had  a  beneficial  effect,  as  the  cow*s 
appetite  returned,  and  she  appeared  to  be  quite  well  again. 
After  this  I  heard  no  more  of  her  until  the  sixth  of  January 
last,  when  I  was  requested  to  go  and  give  my  opinion  as  to  her 
being  in  calf,  it  being  two  months  beyond  the  time  she  was  ex- 
pected to  calve.  I  found  that  her  appetite  and  rumination 
were  natural,  the  pulse  regular,  and  the  kidneys  and  bowels 
acting  well.  There  was,  however,  a  peculiar  expression  of  her 
countenance,  that  told  of  continuous  pain  ;  her  eyes,  also,  were 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  289 

sunk  in  their  orbits,  and  she  had  a  frequent  and  troublesome 
cough.  Her  skin,  likewise,  had  lost  its  pliancy,  and  she  was 
sadly  out  of  condition,  but  no  yellowness  of  the  mouth  or  eyes 
was  present.  I  first  examined  her  abdomen  externally,  by 
percussing  the  right  side,  with  a  view  of  determining  her  preg- 
nancy ;  but  the  body  my  hand  came  in  contact  with  was  too 
large  for,  and  had  not  the  feel  of,  a  foetus.  As  the  cow  had 
occasionally  been  observed  to  strain,  I  was  now  induced  to  ex- 
amine her  per  vaginum,  when  I  found  the  os  uteri  to  be  indu- 
rated and  unyielding.  I  could  also  distinctly  feel  a  round  and 
hard  substance,  about  the  size  of  a  large  cricket  ball,  and  which 
I  supposed  to  be  the  right  ovary ;  the  other  one,  however,  I 
could  not  find.  I  told  the  owner  that  the  cow  was  not  in  calf, 
unless  it  were  extra  uterine,  and  that  in  all  probability  the 
mass  we  could  feel  from  the  outside  was  a  tumor  within  the 
abdomen.  I  also  added  that  medicine  could  do  no  good  in  such 
a  case.  He  at  once  decided  on  having  her  killed,  which  af- 
forded me  the  opportunity  of  making  a  post  mortem  examina- 
tion. All  the  viscera  were  healthy,  with  the  exception  of  those 
I  send.  The  liver,  as  you  will  see,  is  the  organ  principally 
affected.  It  weighed,  when  first  removed,  one  hundred  and 
forty-six  pounds.  Its  great  size  led  to  its  encroaching  on  the 
space  occupied  by  the  other  viscera,  all  of  which  were  more 
or  less  compressed.  It  did  not  adhere  to  the  side  of  the  abdo- 
men, but  was  firmly  attached  to  the  diaphragm,  and  also,  in 
places,  to  the  intestines.  In  my  examination  I  had  the  assist- 
ance of  Mr.  Hearn,  M.  R.  C.  V.  S.,  who  was  recently  your 
pupil,  and  who  has,  I  believe,  also  written  to  you  on  the  sub- 
ject. The  cause  of  the  enlargement  of  the  liver  is  evident 
enough,  being  produced  by  hydatids,  but  I  leave  to  you  to 
describe  the  variety  to  which  they  belong.  I  have  attended 
post  mortem  examinations  of  many  cattle  since  1828,  but  never 
met  with  any  thing  like  this  before. 

["  The  description  given  by  Mr.  Gregory  leaves  us  but  little 

to  say  respecting  this  extraordinary  enlargement  of  the  liver, 

as  stated  by  him.   The  sole  cause  of  its  increase  in  size  was  due 

to  the  presence  of  an  immense  number  of  hydatids  in  the  sub- 

25 


290         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

stance  of  the  organ.  These  entozoa  belonged  to  the  variety 
designated  the  acephalocystis  endogena,  and  each  cyst  con- 
tained within  it  a  considerable  quantity  of  the  so-called  echin- 
ococci.  In  the  *  Transactions  of  the  Veterinary  Medical 
Association,  for  1842-3,'  a  similar  case  is  recorded  as  occur- 
ring in  a  pig,  which  is  illustrated  by  a  colored  plate,  and  which 
may  be  said  to  depict  equally  as  well  the  condition  of  the  liver 
of  the  animal  in  question."] 

JAUNDICE,  OR  YELLOWS. 

This  disease  is  of  very  common  occurrence  among  horned 
creatures ;  the  stall-fed  animal  is  probably  more  subject  to  it 
than  those  otherwise  fed.  From  this  the  reader  will  infer  that 
it  is  more  likely  to  occur  in  the  winter  or  spring  than  at  any 
other  season,  which  is  the  case.  In  order  to  prove  this,  let  any 
one  visit  our  markets,  and  note  the  color  of  the  fat  of  beef,  and 
he  will  notice  the  yellow  appearance  of  almost  all  the  beef 
offered  for  sale.  There  may  be  some  exceptions,  yet  this  feature 
of  fat  is  a  sure  sign  that  the  animals  while  living  were  not  en- 
tirely free  from  functional  derangement  of  the  liver.  This 
peculiar  color,  however,  is  very  rarely,  if  ever,  found  to  per- 
vade the  brain,  humors  of  the  eye,  or  the  milk  during  lactation. 

Occasionally,  a  yellow  tinge  of  the  visible  surfaces  —  mem- 
branes of  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes  —  appears  very  suddenly, 
and  is  supposed  to  originate  from  sympathetic  action  of  the 
brain  upon  the  liver ;  yet  it  may  arise  in  the  same  sudden  man- 
ner, in  consequence  of  gastro-intestinal  irritation,  produced  by 
the  introduction  of  poisonous  plants  and  rough  food,  such  as 
cornstalks  and  sugar-cane,  into  the  stomach.  Jaundice,  in  a 
very  protracted  form,  often  owes  its  origin  to  the  presence  of 
biliary  calculi  —  so  say  the  authorities  ;  but  I  have  examined 
many  gall  bladders  after  death,  yet  have  never  succeeded  in 
finding  any;  and  I  have  inquired  of  our  slaughterers  in  this 
State,  and  am  informed  that  they  never  observed  any  stones  in 
the  gall  bladder ;  yet,  in  various  alkaline  districts  of  this  coun- 
try, I  presume  biliary  calculi  may  be  as  common  as  in  the 
chalky  regions  of  the  old  world. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  291 

According  to  concurrent  testimony,  the  presence  of  biliary 
calculi,  in  the  gall  bladder  of  an  ox,  does  not  interfere  much 
with  the  general  health ;  but  they  occasion  a  jaundiced  appear- 
ance, a  general  eye-sore,  which  renders  yellow  beef  unac- 
ceptable to  the  palate  of  an  epicure,  and  the  shrewd  butcher 
declines  to  deal  in  any  thing  yellow,  except  pure  dust. 

I  know  of  no  symptoms  by  which  the  presence  of  biliary 
calculi  can  be  detected  prior  to  death. 

The  two  following  paragraphs  occur  in  "  Youatt  on  Cattle/* 
and  may  throw  some  light  on  the  subject :  — 

"  Sometimes,  they  [calculi]  enter  the  duct  (the  cyst)  which 
conveys  the  bile  to  the  intestines.  They  are  likely  to  do  this 
on  account  of  their  swimming  on  the  surface  of  the  fluid  which 
the  bladder  contains.  The  cystic  duct  is  large  at  its  union 
with  the  bladder ;  it  is  a  continuation  of  the  neck  of  the  blad- 
der, and  the  gall-stone  may  be  easily  pressed  into  the  com- 
mencement of  the  tube ;  but  it  has  scarcely  entered  it  before  its 
passage  is  obstructed  by  the  folds  of  the  inner  coat  of  the  duct. 
These  assume  a  semilunar  form,  with  the  edges  projecting 
towards  the  bladder,  and  they  act  as  partial  valves,  retarding 
tlie  progress  of  the  bile,  so  that  it  may  not  all  be  pressed  out 
at  once,  but  gradually  escape  as  the  process  of  digestion  may 
require. 

"  The  gall-stone  being  thus  impacted,  violent  spasmodic 
action  takes  place  in  the  muscles  of  the  duct,  occasioned  by  the 
irritation  of  its  continued  pressure.  It  is  fortunate,  how- 
ever, that,  although  the  muscles  of  these  ducts  act  with  some 
power,  the  obstruction  is  usually,  with  no  great  difficulty,  over- 
come. The  duct  distends  ;  as  it  distends  these  valvular  folds 
lie  closer  to  the  sides,  and  no  longer  oppose  the  passage  of  the 
calculus,  which  is  pressed  on  until  ij;  reaches  the  common 
duct  The  calibre  of  this  tube  is  larger,  and,  unless  the  cal- 
culus is  of  considerable  bulk,  no  farther  difficulty  occurs  until 
it  reaches  the  opening  into  the  duodenum,  which  being  sit- 
uated in  the  centre  of  a  muscular  prominence,  acting  as  a 
valve,  and  preventing  the  passage  of  all  matters,  whether 
fluid   or  solid,  from   the  intestine  into   the    ducts,   a  new  dif- 


292         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

ficulty  is  opposed  to  the  progress  of  the  gall-stones,  and 
there  is  some  return  of  pain,  and  in  a  few  cases  the  pain  is 
evidently  more  intense  than  in  the  early  stage.  At  length, 
this  sphincter  muscle  of  the  duodenum  dilates,  the  calculus 
enters  the  intestinal  canal,  the  pain  ceases,  and  the  natural 
color  of  the  skin  returns.  In  this  species  of  jaundice,  we  have, 
in  addition  to  the  yellow  skin,  the  heaving  of  the  flanks,  the 
hard,  concentrated  pulse,  the  diminished  appetite,  the  insatiable 
thirst,  and  the  other  symptoms  of  fever.  Then,  too,  we  have 
the  alternate  cold  and  heat  of  the  ears,  the  roughness  of  the 
coat,  the  urine  becoming  first  of  a  transparent  yellow,  and  then 
opaque  red,  saffron-colored,  or  brown,  and  the  sediment  brown. 
The  bowels  are  constipated,  the  faeces  seldom  evacuated,  and, 
when  appearing,  are  hard  and  black." 

Treatment  of  Jaundice.  —  Very  little  can  be  done  for  that 
form  of  jaundice  occasioned  by  gall-stones,  with  the  exception 
of  giving  a  dose  of  glauber  salts  and  a  few  bran  mashes,  for 
we  have  no  means  of  dissolving  the  calculi,  nor  of  removing 
them. 

Sympathetic  jaundice,  or  that  occasioned  by  functional  de- 
rangement of  the  digestive  organs  (including  the  liver),  may 
be  treated  as  follows :  — 

Powdered  Mandrake, 2  drachms. 

''         Iodide  of  Potassium, 15  grains. 

''        Goldenseal, 1  drachm. 

Mix  in  a  quart  of  warm  water,  and  drench.  This  quantity 
is  to  be  given  daily,  until  the  visible  surfaces  assume  a  more 
natural  color.  Scalded  shorts  seasoned  with  table  salt  is  the 
best  diet,  and  the  patient  will  not  require  much  of  this,  for  it  is 
very  likely  that  the  stuffing  process  has  been  practised,  and  if 
so  the  stomach  wants  some  rest. 

The  jaundiced  animal  should  always  be  turned  out  for  exer- 
cise. It  often  happens,  however,  that  he  is  either  unwilling  or 
too  lazy  to  move  about.  If  the  disease  occur  in  the  grass  sea- 
son, let  the  patient  have  some ;  it  is  the  best  medicine  in  the 
world  for  stall-fed  jaundice. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  293 

DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  ITS  MEMBRANES. 

It  makes  but  little  difference,  so  far  as  our  method  of  treat- 
ment is  concerned,  whether  the  brain  or  its  membranes  be  the 
seat  of  inflammation  ;  for  the  treatment  in  both  cases  must  be 
the  same,  and  the  difference  in  a  pathological  point  of  view 
cannot  be  very  great  betweeft  a  disease  of  the  brain  and  its 
investing  membranes,  although  each  may  have  peculiarities  of 
appearance. 

The  affection  is  generally  sudden  in  its  attack,  and  it  is  often 
accompanied  by  symptoms  of  phrensy,  and  the  animal  some-* 
times  becomes  frantic,  and  decidedly  mischievous  ;  soon,  how- 
ever, alterations  in  the  structure  of  the  parts  take  place,  as 
softening,  effusion,  etc.,  and  then  the  animal  dies. 

In  regard  to  the  treatment,  I  must  confess  that  it  is  much 
easier  to  write  about  it  than  accomplish  it. 

In  cases  when  delirious  fits  occur,  accompanied  by  convul- 
sions, which  make  it  dangerous  to  approach  the  animal,  I  have 
no  remedies  to  offer  ;  the  case  is  beyond  the  reach  of  art.  I 
may,  however,  add,  that  the  terminations  of  this  disease  are 
different.  They  depend  on  the  intensity  of  the  malady,  and  the 
structural  susceptibility. 

The  disease  is  generally  treated  on  the  antiphlogistic  plan : 
cold  water  to  the  head,  active  cathartics,  and  counter  irritation 
on  the  region  of  the  spine.  The  causes  of  a  disease  of  this 
character  are  often  obscure,  yet  I  have  known  it  to  occur  as  a 
symptomatic  affection.  I  examined  the  carcase  of  an  ox,  a 
short  time  ago,  that  died  of  what  the  owner  termed  "  mad  stag- 
gers.'' I  found  the  brain  highly  congested,  and  several  ad- 
hesions between  it  and  its  membranes ;  there  were  also  large 
patches,  intensely  red,  on  the  lining  membrane  of  the  third 
and  fourth  apartments  of  the  stomach.  I  was  informed  by 
the  owner  that  the  animal  died  twenty-four  hours  from  the 
time  of  its  first  attack.  The  disease  probably  originated  on 
the  digestive  surfaces,  in  consequence  of  the  irritating  nature  of 


294         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the  food — mouldy  hay  and  tough  cornstalks,  with  a  sprinkling 
of  damaged  meal  and  brewer's  grains. 

The  symptoms  of  symptomatic  disease  of  the  brain  are  as 
follows: — dullness, loss  of  appetite,  staring  of  the  coat ;  and, 
if  the  animal  be  a  milch  cow,  diminution  in  the  quantity  of 
milk  is  observed ;  the  extremities  are  cold,  and  the  animal 
grates  its  teeth.  The  respiration  is  at  first  tranquil,  and  the 
pulse  slow  but  full.  The  patient  will  frequently  be  seized 
with  a  kind  of  epileptic  fit,  which  lasts  but  for  a  few  minutes, 
during  which  time  some  of  them  will  exhibit  the  most  violent 
symptoms,  such  as  bellowing  hideously,  pawing  the  earthy  and 
running  at  any  thing  within  their  reach ;  they  will  also  break 
out  into  profuse  perspiration,  and  press  their  heads  forcibly 
against  the  wall,  even  to  such  an  extent  as  to  break  off  their 
horns.  Many  are  sei2;ed  with  violent  tremblings  and  twitchings, 
and  towards  the  latter  period  of  the  disease,  the  respiration 
becomes  extremely  laborious,  the  jaws  are  firmly  closed,  con- 
vulsions succeed  each  other  rapidly,  and  death  shortly  closes 
the  scene. 

Treatment — In  the  early  stages  of  this  affection,  the  animal 
should  be  drenched  with  the  following :  — 

Linseed  Oil, 4  ounces. 

Lime  Water, .4  ounces. 

Powdered  Ginger, 4  drachms.  Mix 

The  rectum  is  to  be  emptied,  by  means  of  clysters  composed 
t)f  salt  and  warm  water,  and  the  whole  length  of  the  spine 
should  be'  rubbed  twice  daily  with  a  portion  of  the  following :  — 

Linseed  Oil, 1  pint. 

Spirits  of  Hartshorn 2  ounces.    Mix. 

Should  the  animal  improve,  a  few  doses  of  the  following  will 
complete  the  cure  :  — 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 2  ounces. 

Carbonate  of  Soda,. 1  ounce.     Mix. 

Divide  the  mass  into  six  parts,  and  give  one  night  and  morn- 
ing, in  a  pint  of  cold  water. 

STURDY,  OR  CEREBRAL  PARASITES. 
The  brain,  and  its  investing  membranes,  are  often  infested 


THE   DISEASES    OP   CATTLE.  296 

with  a  species  of  entozoa,  termed  coenurus ;  they  consist  of  a 
parent  sac,  or  membranous  tunic,  from  which,  externally, 
germination  takes  place.  This  mode  of  multiplication  of  this 
group  of  parasites,  differs  from  that  which  is  observed  in  the 
hydatid  —  fluke  —  in  which  it  occurs  internally. 

Symptoms  of  Sturdy. — The  symptoms  will  depend  altogether 
upon  the  number  and  size  of  the  parasites.  In  their  early 
state,  they  take  up  but  little  room,  and  do  not  occasion  any 
very  marked  symptoms  ;  yet,  if  the  animal  could  only  speak, 
we  might  be  informed  that  he  was  the  subject  of  headache. 
As  the  parasite  or  parasites  increase  in  size,  they  produce 
pressure  on  the  brain,  which  makes  the  animal  appear  giddy, 
confused,  nervous,  and  desirous  of  separating  itself  from  the 
herd;  and  it  is  in  consequence  of  these  peculiar  symptoms 
making  their  appearance,  when  no  other  form  of  disease  is 
present,  that  the  term  sturdy  is  applied,  which  is  simply  used 
to  denote  the  presence  of  cerebral  parasites. 

Treatment. —  When  once  these  parasites  have  fairly  taken  up 
their  abode  in  the  cranial  cavity  of  an  ox,  I  fear  there  is  very 
little  help.  An  operation,  such  as  that  alluded  to  by  the  writer 
of  the  appended  article,  may,  once  in  a  while,  prove  successful, 
yet,  in  my  opinion,  the  remedy  is  about  as  bad  as  the  disease ; 
therefore,  I  recommend  prevention  rather  than  attempts  at  cure. 
The  preventive  remedies  are  as  follows  :  — 

Salt,  sulphur,  and  charcoal,  equal  parts.  This  is  a  specific 
for  all  parasites.  About  a  table-spoonful  of  the  mixture,  given 
occasionally  in  the  food,  will  prevent  the  germination  of  many 
forms  of  parasites. 

The  following  interesting  "  translations  "  are  by  Mr.  Gam- 
gee:— 

"  Sturdy  in  Cattle. —  No  less  than  seven  bladders  of  the 
coenurus  were  found  in  the  left  hemisphere  of  the  cere- 
brum, in  an  old  cow  affected  with  the  sturdy.  Between  the 
dura  mater  and  the  cranial  parieties  there  were  several  trans- 
parent vesicles  about  the  size  of  a  pea,  embedded  in  the 
substance  of  the  bones.  The  left  hemisphere  of  the  cerebrum 
only  weighed  three  drachms,  and  a  scruple  less  than  the  right, 


206         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

altliougli  the  former  contained  all  the  bladders.  Plering  could 
not  find  any  heads  of  the  coenurus  on  the  interior  of  the  sacs, 
and  he  held  them  to  be  yet  undeveloped  hydatids.  —  RepertO' 
rium  fur  Thcerheil,  p.  21,  1855,  Stuttgart. 

"  In  the  second  volume  of  the  Milan  Veterinary  Journal^  at 
page  52,  is  a  case  of  sturdy,  recorded  by  Patellani.  It  occurred 
in  a  two-years-old  animal,  that  had  shown,  for  several  days, 
attacks  of  madness  ;  and  in  one  of  these,  it  had  broken  a  horn 
off.  Patellani  found  her  lying  senseless  on  the  ground,  the 
head  bent  on  one  side,  the  forehead  hot,  painful  on  percussion, 
the  sound  produced  hollow.  On  examination  after  death,  the 
membrane  of  the  brain  was  found  injected,  and  in  the  right 
ventricle  of  the  cerebrum,  were  hydatids  with  several  heads." 

"  The  trephine,  has  of  late  years  been  much  recommended  in 
cases  of  cerebral  hydatids  in  cattle ;  and  in  Bavaria  and 
Wurtemberg,  it  has  frequently  been  employed,  and  often  with 
good  results.  At  the  Clinique  of  the  Munich  Veterinary 
School,  in  the  month  of  November,  1854,  a  year-old  heifer 
was  presented,  with  expansion  of  the  right  frontal  bone  ;  there 
were  symptoms  of  giddiness,  with  turning  towards  the  right 
side,  dulness,  etc.  Ramoser  found,  on  percussing  the  seat  of 
the  disease,  that  the  sound  was  most  hollow  to  the  left.  The 
case  was  observed  for  forty-three  days,  during  which  time  the 
symptoms  became  more  severe ;  the  animal  was  trephined, 
and  about  two  ounces  of  serum  passed  out,  followed  by  the 
bag  of  the  parasite.  The  wound  would  have  been  closed  with 
a  clay  plaster,  but  the  animal  had  to  be  slaughtered  the  fol- 
lowing day.  The  membranes  of  the  brain  were  inflamed, 
especially  to  the  right,  and  blood  was  extravasated  on  its 
surface.  The  expansion,  thinning,  and  even  perforation  of  the 
upper  part  of  the  right  lateral  ventricle,  showed  that  the 
bladder  was  lodged  in  the  ventricle  itself,  as  had  been  seen  the 
previous  year,  in  another  case  that  had  been  operated  upon. 
Death  was  then  attributable  to  the  far  advanced  stage  of  the 
malady,  and  to  the  abrupt  collapse  of  the  parietes  of  the  ven- 
tricle, after  contraction  of  the  bladder." —  Miinchen  Jaliresher, 
for  1854-5,  p.  13. 


THE   DISEASES    OP   CATTLE.  297 

"  Hydatids  occur  much  less  frequently  in  the  brains  of  cattle 
in  Great  Britain,  than  in  other  countries,  as  Youatt  has  cor- 
rectly said,  in  his  treatise  on  the  *  Diseases  of  the  Ox/  It 
occurs  only  in  the  young  animals.  Indeed,  it  obeys  the  same 
laws  that  guide  the  development  of  the  coenurus  in  the  sheep ; 
and  it  is  a  well-established  fact,  that  it  is  only  when  animals 
are  growing,  that  the  germs  for  the  propagation  of  the  bladder- 
worms  will  be  taken  up,  and  carried  to  parts  probably  through 
the  blood. 

"  The  success  attending  the  trephine,  in  cases  of  hydatids 
in  the  brain  of  the  ox,  is  very  great  and  encouraging ;  and  not 
only  have  I  read  interesting  and  convincing  records  on  this 
subject,  but,  in  conversation  with  skilful  and  experienced  veter- 
inarians, I  have  learned  that  trephining  is  an  operation  often 
to  be  relied  upon." 

SHAKING  PALSY. 

Shaking  pals;^  is  a  condition  of  the  animal  economy  known 
to  medical  men  as  irregular,  or  abnormal,  nervous  action.  It 
generally  occurs  in  cows  of  the  nervous  temperament,  whose 
digestive  organs  are  deranged ;  and,  so  far  as  my  experience 
goes,  the  disease  is  confined  to  imported  stock,  of  the  Alder- 
ney  breed.  I  lately  attended  an  Alderney  cow,  the  property 
of  Mr.  Chenery,  at  the  "Highland  Stock  Farm,"  Belmont. 
The  patient  was  suddenly  attacked  with  symptoms  of  irregular 
nervous  action  of  the  muscles  of  the  chest  and  fore-legs, 
simulating  skaking  palsy.  The  membranes  of  the  eyes 
were  highly  injected;  pulse,  jerking  in  unison  with  the 
irregular  muscular  action ;  external  surface,  extremities,  and 
horns,  quite  chilly;  respirations,  normal;  pulse,  small  and 
languid. 

I  gave  the  patient  three  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  golden- 
seal, and  the  same  quantity  of  fluid  extract  of  camomile 
flowers. 

The  spine  and  fore  extremities  were  then  irritated  by  the 
application  of  tincture  of  capsicum.  On  visiting  the  animal, 
the  next  day,  I  found  her  in  better  condition ;  the  tremulous 


298  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

motion  had  somewhat  subsided,  and  I  pronounced  her  out 
of  danger.  She  finally  recovered  without  much  subsequent 
treatment. 

It  is  my  opinion,  that  this  case  had  its  origin  in  derange- 
ment of  the  digestive  organs,  and  constipation ;  for,  after  the 
exhibition  of  the  tonics, —  "  bitters," —  which  aroused  the  ac- 
tion of  the  stomach,  the  animal  passed  an  immense  quantity  of 
black,  foetid  excrement.  The  quantity  was  so  great  that  it 
occasioned  remarks  on  the  subject  from  all  who  visited  her. 

HYDROPHOBIA. 

There  are  generally  some  circumstances  connected  with  a 
case  of  hydrophobia  which  afford  a  clue  to  its  real  nature.  It 
often  happens  that  evidence  conclusive  is  furnished,  that  the 
animal  has  been  bitten  by  a  rabid  dog.  If  this  be  the  case,  all 
doubts  are  at  an  end. 

Symptoms,  —  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease,  there  may 
be  nothing  in  the  symptoms  to  excite  suspicion  as  regards  the 
true  character  of  the  affection ;  they  may  merely  denote  ap- 
proaching illness  ;  but  if  the  animal  has  been  bitten  by  a  rabid 
dog,  or  any  other  animal,  and  has  become  inoculated  with  the 
virus,  which  is  usually  communicated  through  the  medium  of 
the  saliva,  then  any  slight  deviation  from  health,  as  shown  by 
suspension  of  rumination,  or  by  any  other  abnormal  condition 
which  may  attract  the  attention  of  the  farmer,  is  the  precursor 
of  the  dreadful  malady  which  is  to  follow.  The  most  marked 
symptoms  of  hydrophobia  are  —  protrusion  of  the  eyeballs,  the 
conjunctivial  membrane  is  very  much  reddened,  and,  in  fact,  all 
the  visible  surfaces  of  the  eyes,  nostrils,  and  mouth  are  much 
inflamed.  The  animal  is  ripe  for  mischief,  bellows  occasionally, 
will  paw  and  tear  up  the  ground  with  its  horns,  and  on  the 
least  excitement  will  become  more  dangerous  than  a  rabid  dog, 
—  trying,  however,  to  do  injury,  to  friend  or  foe,  with  its  horns 
rather  than  with  its  teeth. 

The  rabid  cow  or  ok  will  drink  water,  if  it  can  swallow ; 
in  fact,  it  generally  suffers  from  intense  thirst ;  but  the  fact  is, 
the  poor  creature  cannot  swallow  a  drop.     The  least  attempt 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  299 

at  deglutition  induces  spasms  of  the  larynx,  and  puts  the  an- 
imal into  the  most  distressing  agony.  It  is  not  the  sight  of 
water  that  puts  a  rabid  animal  into  convulsions,  as  some  per- 
sons suppose  ;  for  in  the  early  stage  of  the  disease,  when  the 
membrane  of  the  larynx  is  not  much  affected,  they  will  drink 
freely. 

Treatment.  —  It  is  well  known  that  the  poison  of  all  rabid 
animals  resides  in  the  saliva,  consequently  they  cannot  be 
handled  and  drenched  without  fear  of  danger ;  for  if  a  small 
quantity  of  the  saliva  comes  in  contact  with  an  abraded  sur- 
face or  sore,  the  unfortunate  individual  is  just  as  much  in  dan- 
ger as  if  he  had  been  bitten.  The  only  remedies  that  seem 
likely  to  be  of  any  service,  are  the  plantain  leaf  (plantago 
major)  and  lobelia. 

Take  four  ounces  of  each  of  these  herbs,  and  infuse  them 
in  two  quarts  of  boiling  water;  when  cool,  strain  through  a  fine 
sieve,  and  administer  at  once.  If,  at  the  end  of  a  few  hours, 
the  patient  has  not  improved,  it  will  be  advisable  to  destroy 
him. 

Mr.  G.  Lewis,  V.  S.,  of  Monmouth,  England,  publishes  the 
following  case  in  the  Veterinarian:  — 

"  I  was  requested  to  see  a  cow,  the  property  of  an  extensive 
farmer  near  this  town.  Upon  my  arrival  he  gave  me  the  fol- 
lowing history  of  the  case  : — 

"On  the  15th  nit.,  the  calf  from  this  cow,  tied  in  an  out- 
house, was  severely  bitten  in  the  nose  and  niouth  by  a  dog,  it 
was  believed,  although  none  was  seen.  But  the  cattle  which 
were  in  the  same  meadow  were  in  a  very  excited  state,  lowing 
and  bellowing,  as  also  the  calf;  and,  upon  the  arrival  of  the 
shepherd,  who  hastened  to  the  spot,  he  found  the  calf  much 
torn,  and  the  cow  with  blood  upon  her  nose.  The  calf,  from 
this  period  until  the  27th,  could  not  take  its  milk  in  the  natu- 
ral manner,  and  was  obliged  to  be  drenched.  But  from  the  above 
date,  the  wounds  having  healed,  and  the  animal  apparently  re- 
covered from  the  injuries  it  had  received,  it  was  turned  to  the 
cow,  and  took  its  milk  in  the  usual  way,  which  it  continued  to 


300         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

do  up  to  the  31st,  at  which  period  the  teats  of  the  cow  were 
bitten  by  the  calf.  From  this  date  the  calf  became  very  ill, 
appeared  to  have  sore  throat,  made  a  very  peculiar  noise,  a 
kind  of  half  bellow  and  roar,  continued  to  get  worse,  and  died 
on  the  3d  inst.  I  did  not  see  him,  but  such  is  the  description 
given  to  me  by  Mr.  J.,  and  I  know  that  it  is  a  faithful  one. 

"  My  attention  was  now  directed  to  the  cow.  She  was  ob- 
served yesterday  to  separate  herself  from  the  others,  and  to 
bellow  occasionally.  But  this  morning  she  was  seen  to  foam 
greatly  at  the  mouth,  and  appeared  much  excited.  The  other 
cattle  also  would  not  associate  with  her,  but  kept  at  a  res- 
pectful distance,  with  their  heads  and  tails  erect.  She  was  now 
brought  to  the  house,  at  which  time  I  first  saw  her. 

"  She  was  standing ;  the  eyes  were  half-closed  ;  she  appeared 
to  be  in  a  kind  of  stupor,  or  half  comatose  state ;  extremities, 
natural  temperature ;  respiration,  natural.  She  was  looking 
rather  thin  ;  she  was  always  a  remarkably  quiet  creature,  but 
now  the  least  noise  appears  greatly  to  agitate  her.  The  human 
voice,  or  the  slightest  movement,  is  sufficient  to  cause  \ier  eyes  to 
glare,  and  set  her  bellowing,  which  ends  in  something  between  a 
growl  and  a  roar.  A  person  whistling,  or  the  bark  of  a  dog, 
produces  fearful  excitement.  These  paroxysms  also  appear  to 
come  on  spontaneously.  At  their  termination,  the  eyes  again 
become  half-closed,  the  abdominal  muscles  tremble,  the  respira- 
tion is  slightly  quickened,  and  the  pulse  is  quick  and  tremu- 
lous. I  remarked  that  some  water  might  be  brought.  Upon 
presenting  the  same  she  plunged  her  nose  into  the  bucket,  but 
could  not  swallow,  and  the  effect  was  fearful  to  behold. 

"  I  informed  Mr.  J.  as  to  the  nature  of  the  case,  stating  that 
I  had  no  hesitation  in  pronouncing  it  to  be  a  case  of  hydropho- 
bia. But,  as  he  did  not  wish  to  have  her  destroyed,  and  was 
very  anxious  that  I  should  give  her  something,  and  watch  the 
case,  I  merely  ordered  a  purgative,  combined  with  a  little  feb- 
rifuge medicine ;  at  the  same  time  pointing  out  the  propriety  of 
being  cautious  while  administering  the  medicine,  and  the  prob- 
able impracticability  of  it,  which  was  verified. 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  301 

"  Sept.  14.  —  All  the  symptoms  of  yesterday  are  aggravated 
intensively.  The  eyes  have  stiU  a  heavy  appearance,  when 
suddenly  they  appear  like  two  brilliants.  I  observe  that  the 
spasm  is  more  severe,  and  that  she  bites  the  woodwork  of  her 
stall. 

Sept.  15.  —  Much  worse  ;  the  cornea  of  the  left  eye,  in  its 
centre,  is  become  opaque,  and  appears  as  though  nitrate  of 
silver  had  been  applied  to  it.  She  sometimes  lies  down,  but 
gets  up  again  and  roars.  Upon  a  person  present  putting  his 
foot  near  her  mouth,  she  made  an  eflfort  to  seize  it,  uttering  a 
growl.     She  died  this  evening. 

"  Post  Mortem  Examination,  seventeen  hours  after  death.  — 
The  brain — its  substance  appeared  healthy.  The  pia  mater 
showed  intense  inflammation  in  small  patches  ;  its  vessels  gen- 
erally were  very  fully  congested. 

"  The  larynx  showed  traces  of  intense  inflammation,  as  also 
did  the  membrane  lining  of  the  trachea,  throughout  its  entire 
length,  and  was  most  beautifully  spotted,  as  was  also  the  lungs, 
plura  pulmonalis,  pericardium,  and  heart.  The  coats  of  the 
first  and  third  stomachs  parted  upon  the  slightest  touch,  in 
patches.  The  abdominal  viscera,  also,  was  similiarly  spotted, 
as  was  the  diaphragm,  etc.,  although  not  so  thickly  as  the  res- 
piratory organs." 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

MANGE. 


This  disease  is  too  well  known  to  need  any  particular  de- 
scription from  me.  It  is  due  to  the  presence  of  parasites. 
Hence  it  can  be  communicated  by  contact  or  touch ;  and  is, 
therefore,  contagious.  This  latter  fact  suggests  the  propriety 
of  removing  the  diseased  animals  from  the  healthy  ones. 

Treatment  of  Mange.  —  Let  the  animal  have  a  table-spoonful 
of  sulphur  in  the  food,  for  three  or  four  days  in  succession  ;  in 
26 


302         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

the  mean  time  anoint  the  affected  parts  dailj,  with  a  portion  of 
the  following:  — 

God  Liver  Oil, 6  ounces. 

Sublimated  Sulphur, 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  apply  by  means  of  a  sponge. 

In  the  course  of  four  or  five  days  wash  the  surface  of  the 
body  with  warm  water  and  soap,  and  then  give  the  body  a 
thorough  sponging  with  the  following  :  — 

Lime  Water, 1  quart. 

Sublimated  Sulphur, , 2  ounces. 

The  above  treatment  generally  cures  the  most  inveterate 
cases. 

FOUL  IN  THE  FOOT. 

In  cases  of  this  character  the  animal  is  dead  lame,  and  often 
an  intolerable  stench  arises  from  the  parts  between  the  claws. 
This  is  followed  by  the  discharge  of  sanious,  and  finally,  pu- 
rulent matter.  In  this  stage,  astringents  and  antiseptics  are 
indicated ;  therefore,  I  recommend  the  following :  — 

Tincture  of  Matico, 2  ounces. 

Pyroligneous  Acid, 1  pint. 

Glycerine, 4  ounces.    Mix 

Saturate  a  small  piece  of  sponge  with  a  portion  of  the  above, 
and  introduce  it  between  the  "  cleft "  of  the  foot ;  the  hoof  and 
contiguous  parts  are  then  to  be  bathed  with  the  preparation  ; 
and  finally,  in  view  of  keeping  the  sponge  in  place,  and  to 
produce  a  good  effect  on  the  external  parts,  a  narrow  bandage 
must  be  applied  so  as  to  encircle  the  hoof.  If  any  heat  or 
tenderness  exist,  the  bandage  should  be  kept  moist  with  cold 
water. 

WARTS. 

Warts,  as  they  occur  on  cattle,  are  of  three  kinds.  One 
makes  its  appearance  upon  the  skin,  and  consists  in  part  of 
an  increased  development  of  the  epidermis  or  scarf  skin  ;  the 
next  kind  originates  under  the  epidermis,  and,  as  is  grows,  ele- 
vates the  same ;  the  latter,  however,  is  nothing  more  than  a 
common  encysted  fibrous  tumor,  without  organization.     This 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  303 

can  readily  be  removed  by  cutting  down  upon  it,  and  dissecting 
out  the  cyst  or  sac  which  enshrouds  it.  The  epidermic  wart, 
sometimes,  has  a  very  broad  base,  and  in  order  to  remove  it 
a  double  armed  ligature  must  be  sent  through  it,  so  that  it  can 
be  tied  in  two  equal  halves.  Occasionally,  this  kind  of  wart 
is  pendulous  —  has  a  contracted  neck  at  its  base.  This  may  be 
encircled  by  a  single  ligature,  and  in  the  course  of  thirty -six 
hours  will  fall  off. 

The  third  kind  of  wart  is  a  sort  of  funguous  excrescence ; 
not  horny,  nor  hard,  like  the  two  former,  but  possessing  great 
vascularity,  and  when  rubbed  or  bruised  they  often  bleed  pro- 
fusely. I  lately  removed  one  from  the  inferior  jaw  of  an  ox, 
which  bled  very  profusely  after  the  removal,  and  did  not  cease 
until  a  haemostatic  had  been  repeatedly  applied.  The  haemo- 
static was  powdered  matico  leaves,  which  coagulated  the 
albumen  of  the  blood.  There  is  great  danger  in  removing 
warts  of  this  kind.  The  following  case,  occurring  in  the  prac- 
tice of  Surgeon  Cartwright,  will  illustrate  the  proposition  :  — 

"  On  the  1st  of  June,  1846,  I  removed  several  warts  from 
the  linea  alba  of  a  year-old  heifer,  belonging  to  Samuel  Wor- 
thington,  Esq.,  of  this  town.  I  cast  her,  and  cut  them  off  with 
the  knife,  and  did  not  apply  anything  to  the  wounds,  as  they 
did  not  bleed  an  ounce.  I  could  see  one  or  two  large  blood- 
vessels on  the  surface  of  the  wounds.  We  loosed  her  from 
the  hobbles,  and  then  tied  her  up,  and  the  wounds  soon  left  off 
bleeding.     Gave  her  an  aperient,  and  left  her  for  the  night. 

"  The  next  morning  she  was  found  down,  and  could  scarcely 
get  up  from  loss  of  blood,  which  continued  to  issue  through  a 
large  band  that  was  passed  round  her.  I  was  immediately 
sent  for  ;  but  was  gone  to  Liverpool.  They,  in  consequence, 
applied  to  a  druggist,  who  sent  some  alum  water,  which  stop- 
ped the  blood.  In  a  day  or  two  I  saw  her ;  but  as  a  scab  was 
then  forming  on  the  wounds,  I  did  not  meddle  with  it ;  soon 
afterwards  the  parts  were  cicatrized. 

"  Observations.  —  There  is  no  doubt  but  that,  after  she  was 
left,  she  commenced  licking  the  wounds,  and  so  brought  on 
the  secondary  hemorrhage.     The  person  who  looked  after  her 


304         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

believes  that,  had  not  something  been  done  at  the  time,  she 
would  have  bled  to  death.  From  this  and  other  cases  that  I 
have  seen,  I  think  it  absolutely  necessary  that  we  should  guard 
against  the  animals  licking  themselves,  and  perhaps  it  would 
be  quite  as  well  to  apply  the  cautery  to  the  parts,  after  remov- 
ing the  warts,  or  subsequently." 

When  a  large  surface  is  occupied  by  warts  which  do  not 
possess  any  definite  necks,  they  must  be  cut  off  close  to  the 
skin,  and  the  surfaces  thus  exposed  should  be  touched  with 
strong  pyroligneous  acid,  and  then  sprinkled  with  powdered 
bloodroot. 

Warts  on  the  teats  are  to  be  removed  by  ligaturing  them  at 
their  base,  by  means  of  saddler's  silk,  or  horsehair.  If  se- 
curely tied,  so  as  to  obstruct  circulation,  they  drop  off  in  the 
course  of  thirty-six  hours.  Any  sores  which  may  occur  in 
consequence  of  the  removal  of  warts,  can  be  healed  by  cover- 
ing them  one  or  twice  daily  with  a  small  quantity  of  glycerine. 

GADFLIES.  ^ 

The  gadfly  is  known  to  naturalists  as  the  cestris  hovis.  It 
punctures  the  integument  of  cattle,  and  then  deposits  its  ova,  or 
eggs.  In  this  situation  the  ova  mature,  until  they  are  capable 
of  enjoying  an  independent  existence.  They  then  make  their 
exit  through  the  external  outlet,  fall  to  and  burrow  into  the 
ground,  and  remain  there  until  the  period  of  their  metamor- 
phosis takes  place,  when  they  assume  the  form  of  winged 
insects.  In  this  form  they  multiply  the  species  by  the  deposit 
of  their  ova.  They  probably  occasion  much  irritation ;  and  in 
view  of  getting  rid  of  them,  I  usually  puncture  the  tumor,  by 
means  of  a  thumb  lancet,  and  squeeze  out  the  parasite. 

The  following  paragraph  is  from  the  pen  of  Gunther;  and  I 
urge  the  reader,  if  he  be  the  owner  of  live  stock,  to  give  them 
an  occasional  dose  of  sulphur ;  for  I  contend  that  no  living 
creature  can  ever  be  infested  with  parasites,  when  its  system 
is  saturated  with  sulphur. 

"  The  gadfly  not  only  persecutes  healthy  oxen,  by  its  bites, 
during  summer,  but  also  deposits  its  eggs  in  their  skin,  which 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  805 

give  rise  to  tumors  on  the  back  and  other  parts,  in  which  the 
larvae  become  developed.  Thej  live  there  on  the  succulent  fluid 
which  the  soft  parts  secrete,  and  make  their  escape  thence  in 
the  following  spring,  in  order  to  become  metamorphosed.  The 
greater  the  number  of  tumors,  the  more  is  the  strength  of  the 
animal  diminished  by  the  pain  and  suppuration.  For  this 
reason  we  should  endeavor  to  free  the  animal,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, from  these  larvae  pests,  by  frequently  washing  these  tumors 
with  camphorated  brandy,  or  forcibly  compressing  them,  which 
either  crushes  the  insect  or  forces  it  to  make  its  exit.  When 
they  have  attained  the  size  of  a  filbert,  an  incision  must  be 
made  into  the  part,  which  is  then  to  be  covered  with  a  pitch 
plaster.  A  few  doses  of  sulphur  are  to  be  given  internally. 
We  are  told  that  those  oxen  which  have  taken  sulphur  for  a 
long  period  of  time,  are  not  infested  by  gadnies." 

YOKE  GALLS. 

The  exciting  cause  o^yoke  gaUs  is  local  irritation  occasioned 
by  the  yoke. 

Treatment  of  Yoke  Galls.  —  So  soon  as  an  abrasion  is  dis- 
covered on  the  neck,  the  animal  should  be  excused  from  duty 
for  a  few  days  ;  the  abraded  part  should  be  lubricated  two  or 
three  times  daily,  with  a  small  quantity  of  glycerine.  In  most 
cases,  however,  a  few  applications  of  tincture  of  aloes  and 
myrrh  will  produce  a  healthy  action,  and  thus  restore  the 
parts  to  soundness.  Should  there  be  no  abrasion,  yet  some 
tumefaction,  heat,  and  tenderness,  a  cold  water  bandage,  renewed 
as  occasion  seems  to  require,  will  in  most  cases  have  tne  de- 
sired effect.  Occasionally  the  integuments  are  so  bruised  as  to 
induce  induration  —  hardening.  Local  induration  in  the  neck 
is  a  morbid  condition  of  parts,  known  to  the  farriers  of  old  as 
*'  sit-fast."  The  treatment  consists  in  smearing  the  part  with  a 
portion  of  the  following  :  — 

^  Iodine, |  drachm. 

Simple  Ointment, 7  dirachms. 

Powdered  Bloodroot, ^  drachm.  Mix. 

A  few  applications  of  a  portion  of  the  above,  will  have  the 


iJ06  THE   NATURE   AND    TREATMENT    OP 

effect  of  removing  the  sit-fast,  or  eschar,  when  a  healthy  gran- 
ulating surface  will  appear. 

Some  animals,  owing  to  a  peculiarity  of  constitution,  will 
"  chafe,"  as  the  saying  is,  in  those  parts  which  come  in  contact 
with  the  yoke,  and  no  human  foresight  or  mechanical  con- 
trivance can  prevent  it ;  therefore,  in  view  of  protecting  the 
parts  against  the  local  irritation  and  its  consequences,  I  rec- 
ommend the  following  liquid  cuticle  :  — 

Collodjon, 1„       ,        . 

Castor  Oil, J  Eqnal  part*. 

After  washing  the  abrasion  with  soap  and  water,  wipe  dry, 
and  smear  it  with  a  portion  of  the  above  invaluable  liquid 
cuticle. 

THE  HAIR  OF  CATTLE  IS  AN  EPIDERMIC  APPENDAGE. 

According  to  Carpenter,  hair  is  an  epidermic  appendage, 
although  not  developed  upon  the  external  surface,  but  in  the 
interior  of  a  follicle  *  formed  by  a  depression  of  the  true  skin. 
This  follicle  is  lined  by  a  continuation  of  the  epidermis  (scarf 
skin),  the  cells  of  which  are  developed  in  peculiar  abundance 
from  a  spot  at  its  deepest  portion ;  the  dense  exterior  of  the 
cluster  thus  formed  being  known  as  the  "  bulb  of  the  hair," 
while  the  softer  interior  is  termed  its  pulp.  Although  the  hairs 
of  different  animals  vary  in  the  appearances  they  present,  we 
may  generally  distinguish  two  elementary  principles  corres- 
ponding with  those  which  we  meet  with  in  the  stem  of  a 
feather ;  viz.,  a  cortical,  resembling  bark ;  and  a  medullary, 
resembling  marrow.  The  fullest  development  of  both  sub- 
stances is  seen  in  the  spiile  hairs  of  the  hedgehog,  and  in  the 
quills  of  the  porcupine,  which  are  but  hairs  on  a  magnified  scale. 
The  cortical  envelope  of  hairs  is  a  continuation  of  the  outer 
scales  or  layers  of  the  epidermis  that  lines  the  follicles;  whilst 
the  medullary  is  derived  from  the  deeper  stratum  whose  cells 
are  produced  in  usual  abundance  at  its  cojcal  (blind)  extremity. 
And  it  is  by  the  constant  development  of  new  cells  at  this  point, 
that  the  continual  growth  of  the  hair  is  kept  up. 

*  Follicle,  sac  or  fold. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  307 

PEMPHIGUS,  OR  VESICULAR  ERUPTION. 

In  the  United  States,  at  least  in  this  region,  pemphigus  is  of 
rare  occurrence,  yet  it  has  made  its  appearance  in  Texas  and 
in  the  Western  States.  The  following  symptoms,  which  usu- 
ally accompany  this  eruptive  affection,  may  enable  the  reader 
to  recognize  it. 

Symptoms.  —  The  breathing  is  generally  hurried  and  sono- 
rous, accompanied  by  a  slight  cough ;  the  animal  shivers,  which 
is  occasioned  by  deranged  and  irregular  nervous  action.  The 
integument  in  the  regions  of  the  neck,  shoulders,  anus,  loins, 
and  haunches,  is  elevated  by  effusion  into  the  cellular  tissue  ; 
the  cuticle,  or  external  tunic  of  the  body,  is  the  seat  of  watery 
bladders,  varying  in  size  from  a  Beverly  bean  to  a  walnut.  In 
other  parts  of  the  skin  a  serous  or  watery  fluid  may  be  ob- 
served to  dribble  from  the  hair.  The  ears  are  drooping  and 
moist,  and  their  temperature  is  much  elevated.  The  base  of 
the  horns  are  hot,  and  the  whole  external  surface  of  the  body 
is  in  the  same  condition.  The  visible  surfaces,  viz.,  those  of 
the  eyes,  mouth,  and  nose,  are  highly  injected  with  a  reddened 
yellow  tinge  ;  the  tongue  is  swollen  or  tumefied,  and  an  abun- 
dance of  saliva  flows  from  the  mouth ;  the  pulse  will  often  run 
up  to  80,  yet  may  be  imperceptible  at  the  jaw.  The  spinal 
column  presents  a  convexity,  or  is  arched  upwards.  The  urine 
is  scanty  and  dark  colored,  and  the  faeces  are  of  a  lighter  color 
than  usual,  showing  very  conclusively  that  the  function  of  the 
liver  is  impaired. 

As  the  disease  advances,  the  serous  tumors  burst,  exposing 
broad  excoriated  patches. 

Treatment.  —  Let  a  portion  of  the  following  mixture  be  ap- 
plied to  the  surface  of  the  body,  by  means  of  a  sponge  :  — 

Glycerine, 4  ounces. 

Sublimated  Sulphur, .1  ounce. 

Lime  \Y*t®i^> 8  ounces. 

Linseed  Oil,. 2  ounces. 

Two  or  three  applications  of  a  portion  of  the  above,  on  suc- 
cessive days,  will  soon  change  the  morbid  habit  of  the  skin, 
when  the  residuum  may  be  removed  by  sponging  the  surface 


308         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

with  tepid  water.     In  the  mean  time  let  the  patient  have  a  few 
doses  of  the  following :  — 

Powdered  Mandrake, 2  drachms. 

Sweet  Spirits  of  Nitre, 4  drachms. 

Tincture  of  Matico, .1  drachm. 

Acetated  Water  of  Ammonia,* 2  ounces. 

«  Water, 1  ounces. 

Mix,  and  drench  the  animal  from  a  bottle,  and  repeat  the 
same  on  the  two  succeeding  days,  if  necessary.  So  soon  as  the 
animal  improves,  stop  the  medicine  and  allow  a  generous  diet.. 

A  few  years  ago  a  vesicular  epizootic  broke  out  among  cat- 
tle and  milch  cows  at  Stratford-on-Avon.  The  symptoms  are 
thus  described  by  J.  Tombs,  V.  S. :  — 

"  The  symptoms  were :  increased  pulsation,  copious  discharge 
of  saliva  from  the  mouth,  respiration  disturbed.  These  symp- 
toms continued  for  two  or  three  days,  when  a  tremendous 
inflammation  of  the  integuments  and  cellular  tissues  set  in, 
around  the  coronets  at  the  heels,  and  between  the  hoofs,  causing 
exceeding  lameness  and  excruciating  pa4n.-  The  swelling 
quickly  extended  to  the  fetlocks.  The  poor  beasts  lay  down 
the  greater  portion  of  their  time,  —  panted  and  perspired  pro- 
fusely, with  occasional  deep  groaning.  At  this  stage  of  the 
disease  the  mouth  improved.  When  made  to  get  up,  they 
could  hardly  walk,  and  soon  lay  down  again.  The  beating  of 
the  heart  could  be  distinctly  heard  several  yards  off.  In  some, 
all  four  feet  were  affected  ;  in  others,  the  fore  feet ;  others,  the 
hind  feet,  and  in  some  one  fore  foot.  Suppuration  took  place 
in  the  integumentary  and  cellular  membranes,  five  or  six  days 
subsequently  to  the  original  attack,  which  process  afforded  great 
relief.  In  the  interim  they  became  emaciated  and  lost  their 
milk.  In  a  day  or  two  after,  extensive  sloughing  supervened 
of  the  integuments  of  the  coronets  and  heels,  and  between  the 
hoofs,  leaving  the  pedal  and  coronary  bones  bare,  with  deep 
sinuses.  The  putrid  parts,  while  sloughing,  emitted  an  unbear- 
able  stench.     Granulations  of  new  flesh  soon  formed,  which 

*  This  is  a  cooling  febrifuge,  and  is  known  to  physicians  as  "  liquor 
ammonia  acetatis." 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  309 

became  prominent  and  luxuriant,  forcing  the  hoofs  wide  apart. 
At  this  period  of  the  complaint  the  urgent  and  painful  symp- 
toms considerably  lessened ;  the  animals  could  then  hobble  out 
of  the  yard  into  a  grass  field  close  by  where  they  were  prior 
to  the  attack.  The  milk,  flesh,  and  strength,  began  to  return, - 
and  the  lameness  slowly  diminished,  as  the  thickening  of  the 
integuments  and  cellular  membrane  became  absorbed.  New 
hoofs  formed,  which  in  some  grew  irregularly,  and  caused  great 
tenderness  for  some  length  of  time." 


GENERALITIES 


DUTCH  CATTLE  —  THEIR  INTRODUCTION  INTO  MASSA- 
CHUSETTS—VALUABLE QUALITIES,  ETC. 

The  Dutch  race  of  cattle  have  heretofore  received  but  slight 
notice  at  the  hands  of  either  American  or  English  authors, 
.yet  I  hazard  the  prediction  that  the  breed  is  destined  to  be- 
come pre-eminently  the  favorite  in  this  country.  Indeed,  when 
we  consider  the  enviable  reputation  that  the  dairy  stock  of  Hol- 
land has  so  long  maintained,  it  seems  a  matter  of  surprise  that 
our  breeders  have  not  earlier  considered  the  importance  of 
making  direct  importations  from  that  country. 

At  a  very  early  period  importations  of  Dutch  cattle  were 
made  from  Holland  into  England ;  and  it  is  admitted  that  this 
blood  contributed,  in  an  important  degree,  to  build  up  both 
the  Short  Horn  Durham,  and  Ayrshire  breeds.  The  prin- 
cipal characteristics  of  the  Dutch  breed  of  the  present  time 
confirms  this,  as  on  examination  a  thorough-bred  Dutch  cow 
will  be  found  to  combine,  to  a  very  remarkable  extent,  the 
best  qualities  of  both  those  breeds.  It  will  be  seen  tliat  her 
dairy  qualities  are  far  superior  to  the  justly  celebrated  Ayr- 
shires,  many  of  the  Dutch  cows  producing  daily  in  the  best 
season  from  25  to  45  quarts  of  rich  milk ;  while  in  size,  do- 
cility, early  maturity,  and  evident  adaptation  to  the  yoke  or 
the  shambles,  they  are  in  no  way  inferior  to  the  famous  Short 
Horn  Durhams. 

The  early  Dutch  settlers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Hudson 
river,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  brought  over  some  of  the 
Dutch  race  of  cattle  ;  and  about  fifty  years  ago,  an  individual 
in  the  State  of  Vermont  imported  a  bull   and  cows  of  that 

311 


312         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

breed.  It  is  presumed,  however,  they  have  not  been  bred 
pure  up  to  this  time,  although  animals  are  often  met  with  in 
that  locality  showing  evident  traces  of  their  Dutch  origin. 

I  believe  the  only  herd  of  thorough-bred  Dutch  cattle  now 
in  this  country,  were  imported  and  are  now  owned  by  Win- 
throp  W.  Chenery,  Esq.,  of  Belmont  (late  Watertown),  Massa- 
chusetts. Mr.  Chenery  has  made  three  importations  of  cattle 
from  Holland.  The  first  in  1852,  another  in  1857,  and  the 
last  the  present  season  (1859).  He  has,  through  his  agent  in 
that  country,  been  able  to  procure  very  superior  specimens  of 
the  North  Holland  cattle.  Mr.  Chenery  is  firm  in  the  belief 
(and  I  think  all  intelligent  breeders  who  have  examined  his 
stock  coincide  in  the  opinion),  that  they  are  destined  to  super- 
sede all  other  breeds,  especially  throughout  the  New  England 
States. 

The  bull  "  Dutchman,"  and  the  cow  "  Purmer,"  whose  por- 
traits are  correctly  delineated  in  this  work,  are  animals  of  Mr. 
Chenery's  importation.  He  has  now  some  twenty  head  of  pure- 
bred Dutch  stock. 

I  would  remark,  also,  that  the  Dutch  race  of  cattle,  owing, 
doubtless,  to  a  long  course  of  careful  breeding,  are  capable  of 
reproducing  their  good  qualities  to  an  extraordinary  extent, 
and  are,  therefore,  invaluable  to  cross  with  our  native  stock. 
Probably  no  animal,  in  a  given  time,  will  produce  such  a 
marked  change  in  the  stock  of  any  locality,  as  a  thorough-bred 
Dutch  bull.  This  opinion  is  verified  in  a  remarkable  degree 
by  the  experience  and  observation  of  Mr.  Chenery.  That  gen- 
tleman^nforms  me  that  his  cow,  "  Lady  Louise,"  imported  in 
1852,  dropped  in  1854  a  bull  calf;  the  sire  an  Ayrshire  bull. 
The  calf,  in  color  black  and  white*  like  its  dam,  and  a  fine 
large  animal  at  birth,  was  presented  to  Mr.  T.  Hunt,  of  Fram- 
ingham,  Mass.,  on  condition  that  it  should  be  raised  for  the 
improvement  of  stock  there. 

In  1856,  1857,  and  1858,  this  bull  served  from  seventy-five 
to  one  hundred  cows  annually,  and,  although  but  a  half-blood 
himself,  every  calf  of  his  get  (no  matter  what  may  have  been 
the  color  of  its  dam)  has  been  of  the  Dutch  color,  with  sym- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  313 

metrical  form  and  strongly  marked  features,  bright,  full  eyes, 
and  small,  short,  handsome  horns. 

Mr.  Hunt  is  now  raising  some  twenty  head  of  this  bull's  get, 
including  a  pair  of  steers  that  took  the  premium  at  the 
county  show  last  year.  The  bull  was  exhibited  at  the  county 
fair,  in  1857  and  1858,  and  pronounced  by  good  judges  to  be 
the  best  animal  upon  the  ground. 

Every  calf  got  by  "  Dutchman,"  imported  in  1857,  has,  also, 
been^  of  black  and  white  color,  and  all  very  extraordinary 
animals. 

For  the  benefit  of  all  persons  interested  in  improving  the 
breed  of  neat  stock  in  this  country,  the  author  would  inform 
the  reader  that  the  owner  of  the  splendid  animals  referred  to, 
is  the  proprietor  of  the  "  Highland  Stock  Farm,"  Belmont, 
Mass.  Mr.  Chenery  is.  a  gentleman  of  ample  fortune,  and 
having  a  decided  taste  for  that  department  of  husbandry  known 
as  breeding,  he  has  determined,  without  regard  to  cost,  to  see 
what  improvements  can  be  accomplished  among  neat  stock. 
So  far,  he  has  been  eminently  successful,  and  the  farmers  in  tjiis 
vicinity  will  have  many  occasions  for  rejoicing  that  so  enter- 
prising and  so  liberal  a  man  as  Mr.  Chenery,  is  engaged  in  the 
laudable  f^nterprise  of  improving  our  native  stock.  A  little 
of  the  blood  of  this  hardy  and  valuable  Dutch  stock,  infused  into 
the  veins  of  "  natives,"  would  very  soon  wipe  out  of  existence 
the  poor  apologies  for  cows  —  things  of  little  else  than  skin  and 
bones  —  which  are  calculated  to  shock  our  ideas  of  the  beau- 
tiful handiwork  of  Nature.  Such  are  scarcely,  if  ever,  free 
from  disease,  and  it  is  very  rare  that  they  bring  forth  a  calf 
worth  saving.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Dutch  cattle  are  not 
only  beautiful  (see  cuts  of  the  same),  but  they  enjoy,  after  ac- 
climation, a  remarkable  immunity  from  disease;  and  the  calves 
of  such,  when  only  a  few  days  old,  even  if  intended  for  veal, 
are  actually  worth  five  dollars  more  than  the  progeny  of  or- 
dinary cows. 

It  is  a  magnificent  sight  to  see  so  fine  a  lot  of  animals  to- 
gether, as  can  be  seen  at  the  "  Highland  Stock  Farm."  Eveiy 
thing  about  the  barn  is  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  liberality 
27 


oil  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

of  its  enterprising  owner.  There  is  no  bad  smell  about  the 
place,  a  capital  system  of  ventilation  being  established,  which 
not  only  contributes  to  the  health  of  the  stock,  but  also  makes 
it  a  pleasant  place  to  visit.  I  recommend  all  persons  in  search 
of  valuable  stock  to  visit  the  '•^Highland  Stock  Farm" 

CASTRATION. 

I  labor  under  an  impression  that  the  husbandmen  of  this 
country  commit  some  awful  mistakes  in  the  theory  and  prac- 
tice of  castration.  The  usual  practice  is,  to  castrate  the  calf 
from  one  to  three  months  after  birth.  This  is  evidently  done  to 
the  manifest  injury  of  form,  size,  and  muscular  development. 
The  operation  may  tend  towards  fattening  the  animal,  and 
improving  the  epicurean  quality  of  its  meat ;  and  it  may  ren- 
der the  animal  docile,  and  thus  increase  his  usefulness ;  but  his 
strength,  stamina,  and  endurance  are  compromised  by  early 
castration. 

If  animals  are  needed  as.  working  oxen,  they  should  not  be 
castrated  until  they  have  attained  the  age  of  three  or  four 
years.  At  these  periods,  the  muscles  of  the  neck  and  chest 
have  undergone  remarkable  developments,  and  the  animals  have 
strength  and  endurance  to  make  really  valuable  oxen  for  work  ; 
whereas,  if  castrated  at  too  early  a  period,  the  muscles  of  the 
forward  parts  are  always  defective,  lank,  and  lean.  I  am 
aware  that  there  are  difficulties  in  the  way  of  keeping  bulls,  up 
to  the  age  here  indicated  ;  yet  the  experiment  has  been  tried, 
in  this  State  and  elsewhere,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
parties  that  made  the  experiments;  therefore,  I  recommend 
farmers  not  to  castrate  calves  intended  for  work-oxen,  until  their 
muscular  system  is  well  developed  ;  and  even  in  view  of  obtain- 
ing good  beef,  and  developing  the  propensity  to  fatten,  I  should 
let  the  calves  remain  uncastrated  for  six  months  or  more. 

It  has  been  urged,  by  some  writers,  that  the  danger  of  cas- 
tration is  less  in  young  than  adult  animals.  This  may  be  correct, 
yet  I  apprehend  but  little  danger  in  castrating  either  a  horse 
or  bull,  at  any  age,  provided  the  creature  is  in  the  enjoyment 
of  health,  and  the  operation  be  properly  performed. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  315 

"  In  many  parts  of  France  the  bull-calf  is  castrated  by  means 
>f  a  curious  species  of  torsion,  termed  Ustournage.  The  ani- 
inal  is  thrown  and  secured  ;  the  operator  places  himself  behind 
the  animal,  and  opposite  to  the  tail ;  he  seizes  the  testicles  with 
both  his  hands,  and  pushes  them  violently  upwards  and  down- 
wards several  times,  in  order  to  destroy  their  adhesion  to  their 
coverings.  He  continues  this  manipulation  until  he  thinks  that 
he  has  produced  sufficient  lengthening  of  the  cords,  and  dilata- 
tion of  the  bag  itself ;  he  then  pushes  up  the  left  testicle  as 
nearly  as  possible  to  the  ring,  leaving  the  right  one  low  in  the 
bag ;  he  seizes  the  cord  of  the  right  testicle  between  the  finger 
and  thumb  of  the  left  hand,  about  an  inch  above  the  testicle, 
and  grasping  the  bottom  of  the  scrotum  with  his  right  hand,  he 
turns  the  testicle,  and  pushes  it  forcibly  upwards,  until  he  has 
reversed  it,  and  its  inferior  extremity  is  uppermost.  Some 
little  practice  is  required  in  order  readily  to  effect  this.  Then, 
the  right  hand  holding  the  testicle  while  the  left  hand  raises  the 
cord,  the  testicle  is  turned  round  from  right  to  left  four  or  five 
or  six  times,  until  there  is  a  degree  of  tension  and  difficulty  in 
the  turning,  which  indicates  that  the  spermatic  vessels  are  so 
far  compressed  or  obliterated  as  to  be  deprived  of  the  power 
of  secreting  or  conveying  the  seminal  fluid.  The  testicle  is  by 
tiiis  means  brought  up  nearly  to  the  abdominal  ring,  where  it 
is  retained  by  turning  the  scrotum  over  it,  while  the  left  testi- 
cle is  brought  down,  reversed,  and  turned  in  the  same  manner. 
Last  of  all,  in  order  to  prevent  the  untwisting  of  the  cords  and 
the  descent  of  the  testicles,  the  operator  grasps  the  bottom  of 
the  scrotum  in  his  left  hand,  and  holding  one  end  of  a  piece  of 
cord,  eighteen  inches  in  length,  and  about  as  large  as  a  quill, 
between  his  teeth,  and  having  the  other  end  in  his  right  hand, 
he  makes  with  it  several  turns  round  the  scrotum  with  consid- 
erable firmness  below  and  close  to  the  testicles,  yet  not  so 
tightly  as  quite  to  stop  the  circulation  of  blood  through  the 
bag.  This  is  taken  away  at  the  end  of  the  second  day,  after 
which  the  testicles  will  remain  fixed  against  the  abdomen,  and 
will  gradually  wither  away.  The  animal  is  usually  bled  after 
the  operation,  and  half  of  its  allowance  of  food  taken  away.'* 


316         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

I  lately  castrated  two  horses,  at  the  respective  ages  of  twelve 
and  seventeen  years,  and  they  have  both  done  well;  yet,  if  they 
had  been  '"^prepared,'  as  the  hooks  recommend,  I  might  have 
lost  both  animals ;  and  I  verily  believe  that  the  once  popular 
method  of  physicking* —  prostrating  —  animals  before  castra- 
tion, has  been  the  cause  of  many  unnecessary  deaths. 

In  castrating  bullocks,  I  apply  a  ligature  around  the  whole 
cord,  for  it  is  not  always  safe  to  merely  ligature  the  spermatic 
artery,  as  the  reader  will  perceive  by  reading  the  following 
paragraph. 

Herring  has  observed,  that,  after  tying  the  spermatic  artery, 
without  difficulty,  in  two  places,  and  cutting  between  them,  the 
spermatic  cord  being  then  cut  across  two  inches  below,  arterial 
hemorrhage  sometimes  ensued.  It  is  easy  to  account  for  blood 
flowing  through  the  spermatic  veins,  after  this  operation,  by  a 
retrograde  circulation  in  the  wide  vessels  ;  but,  as  regards  the 
arterial  hemorrhage,  Herring  was  in  doubt,  until,  after  several 
injections  of  the  spermatic  cord,  he  found  that  the  spermatic  ar- 
tery often  divides  into  two  nearly  equal  branches  ;  if  but  one  be 
tied,  on  removing  the  testicles,  the  other  division  bleeds.  Her- 
ring afterward  injected  several  testicles  and  spermatic  cords  of 
bulls,  and  found  an  extraordinarily  rich  net-work  of  veins,  which 
differs  in  many  points  from  the  pampiniform  plexus  of  the 
spermatic  cord,  in  man,  horse,  dog,  etc.  In  the  spermatic  cord 
of  the  horse,  we  observe  the  artery  making  a  large  number  of 
curves  on  itself,  until  it  reaches  the  testicle ;  and  from  the  latter 
organ  arise  numerous  veins,  which  coil  upwards,  but  now  join 
in  several  branches  which  pass  up  with  the  artery,  anastomosing 
at  intervals,  and  forming  a  net-work,  the  meshes  of  which  are 
ill  the  shape  of  parallelograms.  In  the  bull,  on  the  contrary, 
the  veins  are  exceedingly  numerous,  and  spin  round  the  artery 
like  the  tendrils  of  a  climbing  plant  round  a  wire ;  and  this  is 
Keen  high  up  in  the  abdomen  ;  so  that,  in  successful  injections, 
the  spermatic  artery  is  completely  hidden. 

Some  persons  may  object  to  the  plan  of  applying  a  ligature 
around  the  whole  cord,  and  Youatt  speaks  of  it  as  a  cruel 
operation.    I  cannot   conceive    how  there   can  be  any  more 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  317 

cruelty  in  it,  tlian  when  the  "  clams"  are  used.  The  pressure 
on  the  cord  is  the  same  ;  and  all  the  difference  is,  I  use  saddler's 
silk  instead  of  wooden  clams.  I  have  castrated  a  great  num- 
ber of  animals,  at  all  ages,  by  means  of  a  ligature  around  the 
cord,  and  have  never  met  with  loss  or  accident. 

Method  of  Castration. —  There  is  very  little  danger  in  cas- 
trating a  young  calf,  and  it  is  very  rare  that  a  surgeon  is  ever 
called  upon  to  perform  the  operation ;  yet  I  would  advise 
persons  who  are  in  the  habit  of  castrating  these  young  animals, 
to  make  free  openings  into  the  scrotum  and  inner  covering  of 
the  testicles.  This  inner  covering  is  called  tunica  vaginalis. 
If  too  small  an  opening  be  made,  the  swollen  cord  will  be  im- 
prisoned by  the  divided  edges  of  the  tunica  vaginalis,  which 
will  ultimately  end  in  hardening  or  schirrosity  of  the  end  of 
the  cord,  or  else  there  will  be  scrotal  abscess.  A  large  opening 
into  the  scrotum  and  tunic  is  necessary,  in  order  to  postpone 
union  of  the  external  parts,  until  the  tissues  above  and  within 
have  healed. 

When  castrating  bullocks,  I  either  secure  them  in  the  trevis 
and  partly  etherize  them,  or  else  cast  them  with  the  hobbles 
(see  cut  of  instruments),  and  render  them  completely  insen- 
sible by  ether.  I  then  grasp  the  scrotum,  between  the  belly 
and  testicle,  and  make  an  incision  on  one  side  and  at  the  lower 
part  of  the  scrotum  sufficiently  large  to  allow  the  testicle  to 
escape.  The  testicle  then  hangs  by  the  cord.  A  ligature  is 
then  passed  around  the  latter,  which  must  be  tied  tight  enough 
to  compress  the  bloodvessels  and  prevent  after  bleeding.  The 
cord  is  then  divided,  and  one  end  of  the  string  may  be  cut 
very  close  to  the  knot,  so  that  a  slight  pull  will  untie  it.  The 
other  testicle  is  to  be  proceeded  with  in  the  same  manner,  and 
the  operation  is  complete.  It  is  proper,  however,  to  return  the 
cord  within  the  inner  tunic,  or  covering  of  the  testicle,  and 
one  end  of  the  ligature  is  left  Ipng  enough  to  hang  out  of  the 
wound. 

In  the  course  of  a  week,  if  the  ligatures  do  not  come  away, 
a   slight  pull  will  detach  then^.     I  never  make  use  of  any 

dressing,  except  when  a  bad  odqr  s^rises  from  the  parts.     The 

2j* 


318         THE  NATURE  ANt)  TREATMENT  OF 

best  remedy,  under  such  circumstances,  is  diluted  pyroligneous 
acid,  in  the  following  proportions :  — 

Pyroligneous  Acid, 3  ounces. 

Water, 15  ounces.    Mix. 

Let  the  parts  be  well  cleansed,  night  and  morning,  with  a 
portion  of  the  above. 

Should  any  undue  amount  of  swelling  ensue,  the  parts  are 
to  be  rubbed  occasionally  with  an  ounce  or  two  of  sweet  sj)irits 
of  nitre. 

I  find  that  exercise  operates  favorably  in  preventing  scrotal 
swelling,  which  is  a  condition  of  the  parts  known  to  surgeons 
as  local  effusion  —  dropsy ;  and,  as  exercise  at  pasture  always 
tends  to  reduce  these  kinds  of  swellings,  I  generally,  if  the 
weather  permits,  place  the  castrated  animal  under  the  care  of 
" Doctor  Greeriy^  — a  good  pasture,  —  where  the  patient  can 
vitalize  its  blood  with  pure  air,  promote  the  integrity  of  the 
whole  system  by  voluntary  exercise  of  the  muscles,  and  partake 
of  herbage  calculated  to  benefit  the  whole  animal  economy. 

ENZOOTIC   MILK   SICKNESS,  OR    TREMBLES. 

The  cause  or  origin  of  enzootic  milk  sickness,  —  commonly 
denominated  trembles,  —  is  a  subject  of  much  speculation. 
Various  are  the  opinions  and  conclusions  of  medical  and  non- 
medical men.  It  has  been  asserted  tliat  a  creeping  vine, 
known  to  luxuriate  in  forest  regions,  occasions  the  disease. 
The  theory  is  that  this  vine,  or  vegetable  parasite,  is  matured 
in  the  latter  months  of  summer,  or  the  first  autumnal,  at  which 
season  of  the  year  the  grass  becomes  dry  and  tough,  when  the 
cattle  resort  to  the  timbered  land  for  sustenance,  feeding  upon 
the  (supposed)  vine ;  and  as  the  animal  is  (without  satisfactory 
evidence)  susceptible  to  its  (imaginary)  influence,  it  often  sick- 
ens and  dies ;  yet,  strange  to  relate,  many  animals  located  in 
the  same  regions  escape  the  pest.  And,  in  order  to  sustain  this 
faulty  theory,  we  are  informed  that  the  lucky  creatures  who 
live  and  die  at  a  respectable  bovine  age,  know  enough  to  give 
the  poisonous  plant  the  go-by.  This  is  nothing  more  than 
mere  speculation,  for  the  disease  very  frequently  occurs  when 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  319 

the  ground  is  covered  with  snow.  Dr.  Graff  informs  us  that  the 
general  appearance  of  the  infected  districts  is  somewhat  pecu- 
liar. "  The  quality  of  the  soil  is,  in  general,  of  an  inferior 
description  ;  the  growth  of  timber  is  not  observed  to  be  so  lux- 
uriant as  in  situations  otherwise  similar,  but  is  scrubby,  and 
stunted  in  its  perfect  development ;  in  many  instances,  simulating 
what,  in  the  West,  is  denominated  *  barrens.'  " 

Now  it  is  possible  that  these  barrens  do  not  furnish 
a  sufl5cient  amount  of  carbon  (in  the  form  of  food)  for  the 
metamorphosis  of  the  tissues ;  and  if  we  take  into  considera- 
tion that  the  animal  receives,  during  the  day,  while  in  search 
of  this  food,  a  large  supply  of  oxygen,  and  at  the  same  time 
the  waste  of  the  body  is  increased  by  the  extra  labor  required 
to  select  sufficient  nutriment,  —  it  being  scanty  in  such  situa- 
tions,—  then  it  follows  that  this  disproportion  between  the 
quantity  of  carbon  in  the  food,  and  that  of  oxygen  absorbed 
by  the  skin  and  lungs,  must  induce  a  diseased  or  abnormal 
condition.  The  animal  is  sometimes  fat,  at  others  lean.  Some 
of  the  cows  attacked  with  this  disease  were  fat,  and  in  apparent 
health,  and  nothing  peculiar  was  observed  until  immediately 
preceding  the  outbreak  of  the  fatal  symptoms.  The  presence 
of  fat  is  generally  proof  positive  of  an  abnormal  state ;  and,  in 
such  cases,  the  liver  or  spleen  is  often  diseased  ;  the  blood  then 
becomes  loaded  with  fat  and  oil,  and  is  finally  deposited  in  the 
cellular  tissues.  The  reader  will  now  understand  how  an 
animal  accumulates  fat,  notwithstanding  it  be  furnished  with 
insufficient  diet.  All  that  I  wish  to  contend  for  is,  that  in  such 
cases  vital  resistance  is  compromised.  We  are  told  that,  in 
the  situation  alluded  to,  vegetation  was  stunted,  &c. ;  and 
knowing  that  vegetables  are  composed  of  nearly  the  same 
materials  which  constitute  animal  organization,  —  the  carbon 
or  fat  of  the  former  being  deposited  in  the  seeds  and  fruits, 
and  that  of  the  latter  in  the  cellular  structure,  —  then  we  can 
arrive  at  but  one  conclusion ;  viz.,  that  any  location  unfavor- 
able to  vegetation,  is  likewise  ill  adapted  to  preserve  the  integ- 
rity of  animal  life. 

In  connection  with  this,  it  must  be  remembered  that,  during 


320  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

the  night,  the  soil  emits  excrementitioiis  vapors,  which  are  taken 
into  the  animal  system  by  the  process  of  respiration.  In  the 
act  of  rumination,  vapor  is  also  enclosed  in  the  globules  of 
saliva,  and  thus  reaches  the  stomach.  Many  plants  which, 
during  the  day,  may  be  eaten  with  'impunity  by  cattle,  actually 
become  poisonous  during  the  night !  This,  I  am  aware,  will 
meet  with  some  opposition,  to  meet  which  I  quote  from 
Liebig:  — 

"  How  powerful,  indeed,  must  the  resistance  appear  which 
the  vital  force  supplies  to  leaves  charged  with  oil  of  turpentine 
or  tannic  acid,  when  we  consider  the  affinity  of  oxygen  for 
these  compounds ! 

"  This  intensity  of  action,  or  of  resistance,  the  plant  obtains 
by  means  of  the  sun's  light ;  the  effect  of  which  in  chemical 
actions  may  be,  and  is,  compared  to  that  of  a  very  high  tem- 
perature (moderate  red  heat). 

"  During  the  night,  an  opposite  process  goes  on  in  the  plant ; 
we  see  then  that  the  constituents  of  the  leaves  and  green  parts 
combine  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air  —  a  property  which  in 
daylight  they  did  not  possess. 

"  From  these  facts  we  can  draw  no  other  conclusion  but 
this  :  that  the  intensity  of  the  vital  force  diminishes  with  the 
abstraction  of  light ;  that,  with  the  approach  of  night,  a  state 
of  equilibrium  is  established,  and  that,  in  complete  darkness, 
all  those  constituents  of  plants  which,  during  the  day,  pos- 
sessed the  power  of  separating  oxygen  from  chemical  combi- 
nations, and  of  resisting  its  action,  lose  their  power  completely. 

"  A  precisely  similar  phenomenon  is  observed  in  animals. 

"  The  living  animal  body  exhibits  its  peculiar  manifestations 
of  vitality  only  at  certain  temperatures.  When  exposed  to  a 
certain  degree  of  cold,  these  vital  phenomena  entirely  cease. 

"  The  abstraction  of  heat  must,  therefore,  be  viewed  as  quite 
equivalent  to  a  diminution  of  the  vital  energy  ;  the  resistance 
opposed  by  the  vital  force  to  external  causes  of  disturbance 
must  diminish,  in  certain  temperatures,  in  the  same  ratio  in 
which  the  tendency  of  the  elements  of  the  body  to  combine 
wiiii  llic  oxygen  of  the  air  increases." 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.       *  321 

"It  is  obvious  that  the  cause  of  the  generation  of  force, 
namely,  the  change  of  matter,  is  diminished,  because,  with  the 
abstraction  of  heat,  as  in  the  plant  by  abstraction  of  light,  the 
intensity  of  the  vital  force  diminishes.  It  is  also  obvious  that 
the  momentum  of  force  in  a  living  part  depends  on  its  proper 
temperature  ;  exactly  as  the  effect  of  a  falling  body  stands  in 
a  fixed  relation  to  certain  other  conditions  ;  for  example,  to  the 
velocity  attained  in  falling. 

"  When  the  temperature  sinks,  the  vital  energy  diminishes  ; 
when  it  again  rises,  the  momentum  of  force  in  the  living  parts 
appears  once  more  in  all  its  original  intensity. 

"  The  production  of  force  for  mechanical  purposes,  and  the 
temperature  of  the  body,  must,  consequently,  bear  a  fixed  rela- 
tion to  the  amount  of  oxygen  which  can  be  absorbed  in  a  given 
time  by  the  animal  body. 

"  The  quantities  of  oxygen  which  a  whale  and  a  carrier's 
horse  can  inspire  in  a  given  time  are  very  unequal.  The  tem- 
perature, as  well  as  the  quantity  of  oxygen,  is  much  greater 
in  the  horse. 

"  The  force  exerted  by  a  whale,  when  struck  with  the  har- 
poon, his  body  being  supported  by  the  surrounding  medium, 
and  the  force  exerted  by  a  carrier's  horse,  which  carries  its 
own  weight  and  a  heavy  burden  for  eight  or  ten  hours,  must 
both  bear  the  same  ratio  to  the  oxygen  consumed.  If  we  take 
into  consideration  the  time  during  which  the  force  is  manifested, 
it  is  obvious  that  the  amount  of  force  developed  by  the  horse  is 
far  greater  than  in  the  case  of  the  whale. 

"  In  climbing  high  mountains,  where,  in  consequence  of  the 
respiration  of  a  highly  rarefied  atmosphere,  much  less  oxygen 
is  conveyed  to  the  blood,  in  equal  times,  than  in  valleys  or  at 
the  level  of  the  sea,  the  change  of  matter  diminishes  in  the 
same  ratio,  and  with  it  the  amount  of  force  availaljle  for  me- 
chanical purposes.  For  the  most  part,  drowsiness  and  want 
of  force  for  mechanical  exertions  come  on ;  after  twenty  or 
thirty  steps,  fatigue  compels  us  to  a  fresh  accumulation  of  force 
by  means  of  rest  (absorption  of  oxygen  without  waste  of  force 
in  voluntary  motions)." 


THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

In  the  situations  alluded  to,  we  generally  find  poisonous  and 
noxious  plants,  with  an  abundance  of  decayed  vegetable  mat- 
ter. An  English  writer  has  said :  "  The  farmers  of  England 
might  advantageously  employ  a  million,  at  least,  of  additional 
laborers  in  clearing  their  wild  domains  of  noxious  plants,* 
which  would  amply  repay  them  in  the  superior  quality  of  their 
produce.  They  would  then  feel  the  truth  of  that  axiom  in 
philosophy,  *  that  he  who  can  contrive  to  make  two  blades  of 
grass,  or  wholesome  grain,  grow  where  one  poisonous  plant 
grew  before,  is  a  greater  benefactor  to  the  human  race  than 
all  the  conquerors^  or  heroes  who  have  ever  lived.' "  The  nox- 
ious plants  found  in  such  abundance  in  the  Western  States,  are 
among  the  principal  causes,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  of  tlie 
great  mortality  among  men,  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep.  The 
hay  would  be  just  as  destructive  as  when  in  its  green  state,  were 
it  not  that,  in  the  process  of  drying,  the  volatile  and  poisonous 
properties  of  the  buttercup,  dandelion,  poppy,  and  hundreds  of 
similar  destructive  plants  found  in  the  hay,  evaporate.  It  is 
evident  that  if  animals  have  partaken  of  such  plants,  although 
death  in  all  cases  do  not  immediately  follow,  there  must  be  a 
deficiency  of  vital  resistance,  or  loss  of  equilibrium,  and  the 
animal  is  in  a  negative  state.  It  is  consequently  obvious  that 
when  in  such  a  state  it  is  more  liable  to  receive  impressions 
from  external  agents  —  in  short,  is  more  subject  to  disease,  and 
this  disease  may  assume  a  definite  form  regulated  by  location. 

It  has  been  observed,  also,  that  in  the  infected  districts,  the 

*  The  American  farmers  are  just  beginning  to  wake  up  on  this  subject, 
and  before  long  I  hoj)e  to  see  our  pasture  lands  free  from  all  poisonous 
plants.  Dr.  Whitlaw  says,  "  A  friend  of  mine  had  two  fields  cleared  of 
buttercups,  dandelion,  ox-eye,  daisy,  sorrel,  hawk-weed,  thistles,  mullein, 
and  a  variety  of  other  poisonous  or  noxious  plants  ;  they  were  dried, 
burnt,  and  their  ashes  strewed  over  the  fields.  He  had  them  sown  as 
usual,  and  found  that  the  crops  of  hay  and  pasturage  were  more  than 
double  what  they  had  been  before.  I  was  furnished  with  butter  for  two 
summers,  during  the  months  of  July  and  August.  The  butter  kept  for 
thirty  days,  and  proved,  at  tlie  end  of  that  time,  better  than  that  fresh 
clmrned  and  brought  to  the  Brighton  or  Margate  markets.  It  would 
bear  salting,at  that  season  of  the  year." 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  323 

water  is  not  of  the  best  kind,  neither  is  it  very  abundant ; 
lience,  in  consequence  of  its  insujQQciency  or  unwholesome  char- 
acter, the  equilibrium  of  health  may  become  disturbed.  (See 
article  on  watering.) 

A  loss  of  vital  resistance  may  also  be  the  result  of  expos- 
ure. It  has  been  observed  that  cattle  which  have  been  housed 
regularly  have  escaped  the  attacks  of  this  malady,  and  that 
when  suffered  to  run  at  large,  they  were  frequently  seized  with 
it.*  Therefore  we  may  conclude  that  the  indirect  causes  of 
milk  sickness,  or  trembles,  are  any  thing  that  disturbs  the  gen- 
eral health. 

Now  let  us  suppose  that  one,  or  a  combination  of  the  pre- 
ceding causes,  has  operated  so  as  to  produce  an  abnormal  state 
in  the  system  of  a  cow.  She  is  then  suffered  to  remain  in  the 
unhealthy  district  during  the  night.  While  there,  exposed  to 
the  emanations  from  the  soil,  she  requires  the  whole  force  of 

*  Loss  or  Stock.  —  From  every  part  of  the  country  we  hear  of  j^reat 
loss  of  stock,  principally  cattle.  The  long-continued  rainy  weather,  with 
lack  of  feed  and  shelter,  has  been  the  cause  of  much  safFering  on  the 
part  of  poor  dumb  animals,  and  great  loss  to  the  stock-growers  generally 
throughout  the  Willamette  valley.  How  long  will  this  plan  of  raising 
stock,  without  shelter  from  the  cold  blasts  of  winter,  and  without  food,  be 
continued  in  Oregon  ?  Not  long,  we  think,  should  each  succeeding  win- 
ter be  like  the  past.  When,  in  a  number  of  the  Farmer,  last  fall,  we  ex- 
pressed a  desire  to  see  the  wintering  of  stock  without  shelter  classed  as 
"  cruelty  to  animals,"  we  little  thought  it  an  attempt  to  shield  them  from 
so  very  severe  an  ordeal  as  many  were  compelled  to  pass  through.  We 
have  been  informed,  that  in  some  sections,  nearly  or  quite  one-fourth  of 
the  cattle  had  died  in  the  last  two  months,  the  greater  portion  cows. 
The  grass  being  quite  short  in  the  fall,  stock  was  generally  poor,  and  thus, 
with  but  little  feed  through  the  winter,  and  in  many  cases  no  shelter 
whatever,  as  the  time  approached  for  cows  to  "  come  in,"  their  strength 
was  gone  and  could  not  be  regained. 

Had  many  stock-raisers,  last  fall,  sold  half  their  stock,  and  with  that 
money  provided  suflBcient  shelter  for  the  remaining  half,  dollars  would 
have  been  saved.  Where  stock  is  well  protected  from  the  cold  and  wet, 
they  require  much  less  food,  and  there  is  economy  in  it.  We  trust  to  see 
tlie  d^y  in  Oregon  when  our  stock  will  be  so  improved  that  the  same  in- 
vestment will  be  fed  in  half  the  number  of  mouths  that  are  now  fed.  — 
Oregon  Farmer. 


824  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

her  vital  energies  to  war4  off  chemical  decompositions,  and 
prevent  encroachment  on  the  various  functions.  A  contest 
commences  between  the  vital  force  and  chemical  action,  and, 
after  a  hard  conflict,  in  their  incessant  endeavors  to  overcome 
each  other,  the  chemical  agency  obtains  the  ascendency,  and 
disease  of  a  putrid  type  (milk  fever)  is  the  result.  The  dis- 
ease may  not  immediately  be  recognized,  for  the  process  of  de- 
composition may  be  insidious  ;  yet  the  milk  and  flesh  of  such 
an  animal  may  communicate  the  disease  to  man  and  other  an- 
imals. It  is  well  known  that  almost  any  part  of  animal  bodies 
in  a  state  of  putrefaction,  such  as  milk,  cheese,  muscle,  pus, 
etc.,  communicate  their  own  state  of  decomposition  to  other 
bodies.  Many  eminent  medical  men  have  lost  their  lives  while 
dissecting,  simply  by  putrefactive  matter  coming  in  contact 
with  a  slight  wound  or  puncture.  Dr.  Graff  made  numerous 
experiments  on  dogs,  with  the  flesh,  etc.,  of  animals  which  died 
of  milk  sickness.  He  says,  "  My  trials  with  the  poisoned  flesh 
were,  for  the  most  part,  made  on  dogs,  which  I  confined ;  and 
I  often  watched  the  effect  of  the  poison  when  administered  at 
regular  intervals.  In  the  space  of  forty-eight  hours  from  the 
commencement  of  the  administration  of  either  the  butter,  cheese, 
or  flesh,  I  have  observed  unequivocal  appearances  of  their  pe- 
culiar action,  while  the  appetite  remains  unimpaired  until  the 
expiration  of  the  fourth  or  fifth  day."  From  the  foregoing  re- 
marks, the  reader  will  agree  with  me,  that  the  disease  is  of  a 
putrid  type,  and  has  a  definite  character.  What  is  the  reason 
of  this  definite  character  ?  All  diseases  are  under  the  control 
of  the  immutable  laws  of  nature.  They  preserve  their  iden- 
tity in  the  same  manner  that  races  of  men  preserve  theirs. 
Milk  sickness  of  the  malignant  type  luxuriates  in  the  locations 
referred  to,  for  the  same  reasons  that  yellow  fever  is  peculiar 
to  warm  climates,  and  consumption  to  cold  ones  ;  and  that  dif- 
ferent localities  have  distinct  diseases ;  for  example :  ship  fever, 
jail  fever,  etc. 

Before  disease  can  attack,  and  develop  itself  in,  the  bodies 
of  men  or  animals,  the  existing  equilibrium  of  the  vital  pow- 
ers must  be  disturbed :  and  the  most  common  causes  of  this 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  325 

disturbance  I  have  already  alluded  to.  In  reference  to  the 
milk,  butter,  cheese,  etc.,  of  infected  animals,  and  their  adap- 
tation to  develop  disease  in  man,  and  in  other  locations  than 
those  referred  to,  I  observe,  that  when  a  quantity,  however 
small,  of  contagious  matter  is  introduced  into  the  stomach,  if  its 
antiseptic  properties  are  the  least  deranged,  the  original  disease 
(milk  sickness)  is  produced,  just  as  a  small  quantity  of  yeast 
will  ferment  a  whole  loaf.  The  transformation  takes  place 
through  the  medium  of  the  blood,  and  produces  a  body  identi- 
cal with,  or  similar  to,  the  exciting  or  contagious  matter.  *  The 
quantity  of  the  latter  must  constantly  augment ;  for  the  state 
of  change  or  decomposition  which  affects  one  particle  of  the 
blood  is  imparted  to  others.  The  time  necessary  to  accomplish 
it,  however,  depends  on  the  amount  of  vital  resistance,  and  of 
course  varies  in  different  animals.  In  process  of  time,  the 
whole  body  becomes  affected,  and  in  like  manner  it  is  commu- 
nicated to  other  individuals  ;  and  this  may  take  place  by  simply 
respiring  the  carbonic  acid  gas  or  morbific  materials,  from  the 
lungs  of  diseased  animals  in  the  infected  districts. 

My  principal  object  is  to  show  what  are  the  causes  of  this 
malady,  so  that  the  farmer  can  prevent  its  occurrence,  for  the 
treatment  is  very  unsatisfactory.  A  writer  in  the  Atlanta  Med- 
ical Journal  informs  us  :  — 

"  Where  stock  cattle,  for  instance,  are  kept  pent  up  until 
after  the  morning's  dew,  they  are  never  affected,  though  they 
are  pastured  where  it  is  known  to  abound.  Again,  if  food,  in 
the  form  of  bundles  of  hay,  or  fodder,  or  sheaves  of  oats,  has 
been  cast  on  the  surface  of  the  earth  where  it  was  suspected 
to  exist,  fed  to  calves  or  a  calf,  during  the  morning,  while  wet 
with  dew,  the  result  is  the  death  of  the  animal. 

"  Facts  like  these  are,  to  my  mind,  evidence  conclusive  of 
its  origin  in  the  form  of  vapor.  But  let  it  originate  from 
whence  it  may,  it  is  only  known  in  timbered  land,  and  there 
disappears,  after  being  once  cleared,  cultivated,  and  seeded  with 
tame  grass ;  which  shows,  again,  if  of  a  telluric  source,  that 
the  toxical  agent  lies  near  the  surface,  and  is  destroyed  by- 
being  shifted  from  its  lurking  place." 
28 


326         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Symptoms.  —  The  principal  symptoms  are  irregular,  nervoug 
action,  trembling,  tremors,  spasms,  and,  lastly,  convulsions. 
The  other  symptoms  are  such  as  are  noticed  in  affections  of  a 
low  typhoid  type ;  the  pulse  is  quickened,  yet  small ;  the 
tongue  slightly  swollen,  and  coated  with  a  brown  fur;  the 
urine  is  high-colored,  and  the  bowels  are  constipated  ;  the  mem- 
branes of  the  eyes  are  reddened,  and  the  breath  has  a  bad 
odor. 

Treatment.  —  If  the  bowels  are  constipated,  I  should  give  an 
aperient,  composed  of  glauber  salts,  ten  ounces ;  powdered 
ginger  and  goldenseal,  of  each,  one  drachm  ;  tepid  water,  one 
quart.  Then  let  the  whole  length  of  the  spine  be  well  rubbed 
with  two  or  three  ounces  of  oil  of  cedar.  Should  the  breath 
or  excrements  have  a  very  bad  odor,  the  following  must  be 
given  :  — 

Pyroligneous  acid, 2  ounces. 

Glycerine, 4  ounces. 

Water, 1  quart.      Mix. 

Dose.  —  A  wine-glassful  three  or  four  times  daily,  until  an 
improvement  takes  place. 

To  relieve  the  nervous  irritation  and  trembling,  I  give  two 
drachms  of  tincture  of  Indian  hemp,  in  a  little  water,  twice 
daily. 

The  patient  is  to  be  kept  on  oatmeal  gruel,  the  quantity  to 
be  regulated  according  to  actual  necessity.  A  curable  case 
will  be  very  likely  to  improve  under  the  above  treatment ;  if  it 
fail,  the  owner  will  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  the 
patient  was  not  destroyed  by  meddlesome  medication,  nor  was 
its  death  occasioned  by  poisonous  drugs,  but  the  case  was 
incurable. 

WATERING  CATTLE  AND  FARM  HORSES. 

Although  iew  persons  think  it  worth  while  to  pay  much 
attention  to  this  department  of  husbandry,  yet  a  little  reHection 
will  convince  any  reasonable  person  of  the  value  and  impor- 
tance of  furnishing  cattle  with  a  constant  supply  of  pure  warer. 
Pure,  cool  water,  is  said  to  be  a  godsend  to  a  thirsty  throat ; 


THE    DISEASES,  OF    CATTLE.  327 

and  as  cattle  are  apt  to  have  thirsty  throats,  they  should  be 
permitted  to  enjoy  a  luxury  which  costs  but  a  trifle,  and  oper- 
ates very  favorably  in  promoting  their  health.  All  classes  of 
domestic  animals  have  as  great  an  aversion  to  impure,  fillhy 
water,  as  ourselves  ;  and  the  former  will  often  turn  away  with 
disgust  from  the  filthy  stuff  called  water,  which  is  often  found 
in  water  troughs  on  the  roadside,  and  within  the  precincts  of 
the  barn,  and  in  some  pastures.  The  common,  stagnated  pond 
water,  which  many  poor  creatures  are  compelled  to  imbibe,  is 
often  the  exciting  cause  of  disease,  especially  in  the  western 
states,  where  decayed  vegetable  matter  abounds.  Pure  water 
will  never  injure  an  animal.  I  do  not  believe  the  stories  which 
are  told  about  horses  becoming  foundered  in  consequence  of 
drinking  pure  water.  In  a  majority  of  cases  Mr.  Fastman  is 
blamable  ;  he  has,  probably,  either  overdriven  or  overworked 
the  creature,  or  else  has  suffered  it,  when  heated,  to  cool  off 
without  the  necessary  care  and  attention,  which  should  always 
be  observed  when  animals  are  fatigued  or  perspiring  freely. 

Hard  usage,  wilful  neglect,  and  wanton  cruelty,  are  more 
likely  to  produce  disease,  than  the  "  universal  beverage  "  so 
acceptable  to  the  palate  of  a  weary  or  thirsty  horse.  How 
often  do  we  see  a  "  let**  horse  come  into  the  stable  all  exhausted 
and  used-up^  scarcely  able  to  advance  one  limb  before  another ! 
Examine  into  the  facts,  and  we  shall  find  that  the  powers  of 
the  subject  have,  perhaps,  been  overtaxed.  He  has  been 
driven  too  far,  or  at  too  rapid  a  rate,  for  the  present  state  of 
his  constitution  to  endure ;  and,  perhaps,  he  has  not  had  suffi- 
cient nourishment  to  repair  the  waste  incidental  to  the  living 
mechanism,  under  the  states  of  rapid  and  protracted  labor. 
Is  not  this  enough  to  account  for  the  used-up  condition  ?  Is  it 
not  more  rational  to  suppose  that  abuse  of  the  respiratory 
organs,  and  those  of  locomotion,  operates  far  more  unfavorably 
on  the  horse  than  water?  It  is.  But  Mr.  Fastman  must,  if 
there  be  any  blame  rightly  belonging  to  him,  try  to  shift  the 
same  from  his  shoulders,  and  therefore  he  avails  himself  of  a 
popular  error,  —  '•'' He  drank  too  much  water''  Yet  the  indi- 
vidual has  no  means  of  ascertaining  the  precise  quantity  needed. 


328         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

"We  might  say  the  same  as  regards  our  truck  horses,  wliose 
labors  are  very  fatiguing ;  they  come  from  their  work,  and,  as 
soon  as  unharnessed,  go  to  the  trough  and  imbibe  from  one  to 
three  buckets,  without  any  bad  effect.  Some  animals  need 
more  water  than  others ;  the  kind  of  work,  the  temperature  of 
the  atmosphere,  and  the  nature  of  the  food,  whether  it  be  wet 
or  dry,  all  tend  to  diversify  an  animal's  wants.  The  domesti- 
cated horse  requires  a  bountiful  supply  of  good  water ;  his 
body  is  composed  of  seventy-five  per  cent  of  the  same,  and  ho 
can  no  more  exist  without  it  than  he  can  without  food. 

A  cow  or  ox  is  probably  the  best  judge,  as  regards  its  own 
wants,  as  to  the  quantity  of  water  needed.  It  is  not  the  quan- 
tity which  a  rational  animal  imbibes  which  does  harm,  but  it  is 
the  quality  that  demands  our  attention. 

Thirsty  people  drink  all  the  cold  water  they  need;  then  why 
deprive  a  cow  or  horse  of  what  they  actually  need  ?  Consider 
the  condition  of  the  inhabitants  of  populous  cities  during  the 
summer  season.  Thirst  amounts  almost  to  a  disease,  and,  in 
view  of  quenching  it,  the  thirsty  are  continually  imbibing 
water,  rendered  cold,  hot,  sour,  sweet,  or  alkaline,  just  as  fancy 
dictates,  or  as  fashion  prevails ;  cold"  ices  and  other  fixings  are 
called  into  requisition,  to  smother  the  fire  of  thirst  that  rages 
within ;  everybody  partakes  freely,  the  young  and  the  aged, 
the  exhausted  and  vigorous ;  the  laborer,  exhausted  by  a  hard 
day's  work,  and  the  rich  man  of  no  work,  each  and  all  are 
doing  their  best  to  see  the  bottom  of  the  pitcher,  and  to  pitch 
their  bodies  into  the  watery  element ;  yet,  afler  all,  how  few 
persons  complain  of  any  bad  effects  from  it ! 

Inquire  into  the  history  of  some  of  the  acute  maladies  that 
are  supposed  to  arise  from  water-drinking,  and  it  will  be  found 
that  many  of  the  sufferers  have  a  peculiarity  of  constitution, 
which  renders  them  amenable  to  the  laws  of  primogenial  dis- 
ease, which,  although  latent  under  ordinary  circumstances,  can, 
by  disturbing  the  life  forces,  through  neglect,  cruelty,  and  over- 
work, be  developed  at  almost  any  time  of  life. 

Cattle  should  never  be  allowed  to  drink  pond  water.  They 
should  either  have  access  to  a  running  stream,  or  a  clean  water 
trough. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  32\f 

CRACKS  IN  THE  HEELS  OF  CATTLE. 

Cracked  heels  are  generally  more  prevalent  in  the  horse 
than  cow ;  yet,  as  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  and  pre- 
scribing for  a  few  cases  of  this  character,  I  shall  give  the 
reader  the  benefit  of  my  experience ;  so  that  when  cases  of  this 
character  do  occur,  the  farmer  may  know  what  to  do.  Some 
persons  suppose  that  uncleanliness  is  the  sole  cause  of  cracks. 
This  is  not  the  case  ;  the  subjects  are  predisposed  to  a  humory 
condition  and  congestion  of  the  feet. 

Treatment  of  Cracks.  —  The  part  must  first  be  sponged, 
or  rather,  washed,  with  tepid  water,  slightly  alkalized  with  a 
small  quantity  of  carbonate  of  soda.  I  prefer  soda  instead  of 
soap.  The  latter  is  apt  to  irritate  the  parts  ;  and  there  exists  no 
dirt  nor  morbid  matter  which  cannot  be  removed  by  an  alka- 
line wash.  After  cleansing  the  parts,  apply  a  portion  of  the 
following :  — 

Glycerine, .4  ounces. 

Powdered  Phytollacca  (Pokeroot), 1  ounce. 

"  Alum, 4  drachms. 

Mix,  and  apply  by  means  of  a  piece  of  sponge.  The  parts 
should  be  dressed  once  per  day,  and  oftener  if  necessary. 

The  edges  of  the  crack  sometimes  become  inverted.'  In  this 
case,  procure  a  small  piece  of  linen ;  form  it  into  a  pad,  and, 
after  smearing  its  surface  with  a  portion  of  the  above  prepara- 
tion, apply*  it  so  as  to  press  the  lips  of  the  gap  together,  and 
then  bind  it  on. 

If  the  disease  be  constitutional,  which  may  be  inferred  from 
the  fact  that  the  animal  is  said  to  be  "  subject  to  it"  in  the  win- 
ter, then  a  few  doses  of  alterative  medicine  may  be  given.  The 
following  forms  a  very  excellent  stimulating  alterative  :  — 

Iodide  of  Potassium, jounce. 

Water, 1  quart. 

Tincture  of  Sassafras, 4  ounces. 

Mix.  Give  a  wine-glassful  every. morning,  before  feeding- 
time. 

28* 


o30  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

PARASITES  AROUND   AND   WITHIN    THE   GLOBE   Oh 
THE   EYE. 

A  species  of  parasite,  commonly  known  as  worms,  are  oc^  » 
sionally  the  habitants  of  the  tissues  entering  into  the  composi 
tion  of  the  coverings  of  the  eye,  and  once  in  a  while  they 
make  their  appearance  within  the  globe.  The  only  local 
remedy,  of  any  value  is,  infusion  of  lobelia,  prepared  as 
follows :  — 

Lobelia  Seeds 1  ounce. 

Boiling  Water, 1  quart. 

Let  the  mixture  stand  until  cool,  then  pour  off  the  clear 
liquor,  and  occasionally  bathe  the  eye  with  a  portion  of  the 
same ;  in  the  mean  time  let  the  patient  have  a  dose  or  two 
of  sulphur  and  sassafras,  equal  parts.  Dose,  one  ounce,  to  be 
incorporated  with  the  food. 

According  to  BaiUet,  these  worms  belong  to  the  genus  fila- 
riae  (the  same  are  often  found  in  the  air  passages  of  sheep). 
Naturalists  consider  them  as  gregarious,  being  found  in  num- 
bers of  nine  —  eight  females  and  one  male.  The  filariae  are 
thus  described  by  Mr.  Gamgee. 

"  M.  Serres  has  often  found  them  under  the  eyelids  of  the 
ox.  I  had  an  opportunity  to  study  their  characteristics,  in  six 
females  found  by  M.  Lafosse,  under  the  eyelid  of  a  cow,  in 
1855.  From  that  time,  though  some  details  of  their  organi- 
zation were  still  wanting,  I  considered  them  as  belonging  to 
the  genus  filariae,  and  I  designated  them,  in  my  course  of  lec- 
tures, the  Jilarice  boviss  There  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the 
j>lace  which  these  worms  are  to  occupy  in  our  classification. 

"The  slender,  filiform,  and  elongated  body;  the  defined 
mouth,  without  papillae;  the  almost  terminal  anus  ;  the  double 
ovaries,  united  in  one  common  oviduct,  which  is  situated 
at  a  little  distance  from  the  extreme  end  of  the  anterior  ex- 
tremity ;  and  the  embryons,  which  are  notched  in  the  interior 
of  the  tubes  of  the  oviduct,  all  show  that  these  nemato'ides 
belong  to  the  genus  filariae.  The  name  o^  jilarice.  bovis  may 
not  be  a  proper  one,  as  there  are  other  filariae  found  in  these 
animals,  and,  therefore,  an  inconvenience  might  arise  from  its 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  331 

adoption.  I  propose  to  give  them  the  name  of  Jilarice  palpe- 
brarum, which  would  indicate  their  locality.  It  is  probable 
that  the  worms  found  in  the  globe  of  the  eye  of  the  ox,  are  of 
the  same  genus  as  the  one  just  described,  and  that  their  differ 
ent  locality  is  affected  by  transmigration,  or,  perhaps,  they  may 
deposit  their  embryons  under  the  eyelids." 

IMPROVED  METHOD   OF    MILKING. 

The  first  process  in  the  operation  of  milking,  is  to  make  the 
cow's  acquaintance,  and  give  her  to  understand  that  the  milker 
approaches  her  with  none  other  than  friendly  intentions ;  for 
if  he  swears,  scolds,  or  kicks  her,  she  is  likely  to  prove  re- 
fractory, and  may,  possibly,  give  the  uncouth  and  unfeeling 
milker  the  benefit  of  her  heels,  which,  in  my  opinion,  he  is 
justly  entitled  to. 

Before  commencing  to  milk  the  animal  she  should  be  fed, 
or  have  some  kind  of  fodder ;  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  mas- 
tication of  the  same,  her  attention  is  withdrawn  from  the 
milker's  operations,  and  the  milk  is  not  "  held  up,"  as  the  say- 
ing is,  but  is  yielded  freely. 

The  milker  should  not  sit  off  at  a  distance,  like  a  coward, 
but  his  left  arm  should  be  in  close  contact  with  the  leg  of  the 
cow,  so  that  she  cannot  kick.  If  she  make  the  attempt  when 
the  milker  is  in  close  proximity  with  the  cow's  body,  the  former 
merely  gets  a  push  instead  of  a  blow. 

Before  commencing  to  milk,  the  teats  are  to  be  washed  with 
cold  water  in  warm  weather,  and  warm  water  in  winter ;  the 
object  is  to  remove  accumulated  dirt,  which  otherwise  would 
fall  into  the  milk  pail,  to  the  disgust  of  perso;is  who  love 
pure  milk,  and  hate  uncleanliness.  Here  is  a  chance  for  im- 
provement. 

The  best  milker  is  a  merciful  man.  The  udder  and  teats  are 
highly  organized  and  very  sensitive,  and  these  facts  should  be 
taken  into  consideration,  especially  when  milktng  a  young 
animal,  for  the  parts  are  sometimes  excessively  tender,  and  the 
hard  tugging  and  squeezing  which  many  poor  sensitive  crea- 


332         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

tures  have  to  endure  at  the  hands  of  some  thoughtless,  hard- 
fisted  man,  are  really  distressing  to  witness. 

A  better  milker  than  even  a  merciful  man,  is  a  woman. 
The  principal  part  of  the  milking,  in  private  establishments  in 
foreign  countries,  is  done  by  women ;  and  in  these  United 
States,  there  are  thousands  of  capable  women  out  of  employ- 
ment that  might  be  advantageously  employed,  in  private  and 
dairy  establishments,  as  milkmaids.  Therefore,  in  view  of 
improvement  in  the  art  of  milking,  I  advise  farmers  to  learn 
their  wives,  daughters,  and  female  domestics,  how  to  strip 
the  cows. 

An  indolent  person — slow  coach  —  should  never  be  suffered 
to  touch  a  cow's  teat ;  the  process,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  is 
painful ;  therefore,  the  best  milker  is  the  one  that  can  abstract 
the  milk  in  the  quickest  time. 

Finally,  milk  the  cow  dry.  The  last  of  the  milk  is  the 
most  valuable,  yet  Mr.  Hurry-up  cannot  spare  time  to  attend 
to  this  matter ;  consequently  he  loses  the  best  of  the  strip- 
pings  and  actually  ruins  the  cow  as  a  milker. 

DISEASED  THYMUS  GLAND. 

The  thymus  gland,  commonly  known  as  the  sweetbread,  is 
usually  found,  after  adult  life,  in  the  region  of  the  thoracic  duct, 
just  within  the  anterior  or  front  part  of  the  chest ;  yet  the 
greatest  activity  and  development  of  this  gland  is  during  foetal 
life.  This  is  one  of  the  glands,  which,  according  to  Goodsir,  is 
an  involuted  portion  of  the  germinal  membrane,  acting  as  the 
first  assimilating  organ  possessed  by  the  foetus  ;  hence,  as  soon 
as  the  animal  is  born,  and  the  legitimate  organs  of  digestion 
are  called  into  operation,  the  thymus  dwindles  away,  and,  in 
some  cases,  almost  disappears.  Occasionally,  however,  it  be- 
comes enlarged,  and  has  to  be  removed  by  a  surgical  operation. 
Tiie  following  instructive  case  occurred  in  the  practice  of  W. 
Lyon,  V.  S.  and  appeared  in  the  London    Veterinarian. 

"I  beg  to  forward  for  your  inspection  a  tumor,  being 
the  largest  of  two  which  were  removed  on   the    15th  instant. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  332 

from  under  the  cervial  vertebrae  of  a  yearling  quey,  and  which, 
although  now  considerably  shrunk  and  dry,  weighs  forty-nine 
ounces,  and  measures  twenty-three  inches  in  its  greatest  cir- 
cumference. It  rested  upon  the  oesophagus,  trachea,  blood- 
vessels, and  sternal  muscles,  excepting  when  the  animal's  head 
was  depressed ;  so  much  so,  that  had  the  same  degree  of  pres- 
sure been  made  on  the  gullet,  by  a  tumor  existing  elsewhere, 
as  within  the  chest,  permanent  hove,  etc.,  would  have  been 
produced. 

"  The  operation  consisted  in  an  incision  through  the  integu- 
ments of  the  off-side  of  the  neck,  over  and  parallel  to  the 
course  of  the  vessels,  which  exposed  part  of  the  levator  humeri ; 
the  next  incision  being  made  right  through  that  muscle,  in  the 
direction  of  its  fibres,  which  brought  to  view  part  of  the  great 
tumor,  exposing  also  the  sub-scapulo-hyoid  muscle,  which  was 
considerably  but  favorably  displaced  by  the  pressure  of  the 
lesser  tumor,  which  inclined  to  the  off  side  :  the  remaining 
incisions  were  made  with  care  through  numerous  ligamentous- 
like  bands  and  cellular  membrane,  by  which  the  tumor  was 
attached  to  the  inter-vertebral  and  other  muscles.  The  lesser 
tumor,  which  was  more  superficial,  was  then  removed  in  the 
same  manner,  after  having  been  very  useful  in  keeping  the 
said  sub-scalpulo-hyoid  muscle  out  of  the  way.  Both  tumors 
seemed  to  be  indifferently  supplied  with  blood.  Excepting  the 
cutaneous  veins,  which  yielded  less  than  an  ounce  of  blood, 
there  were  no  bloodvessels  divided ;  hence  no  artery  nor  vein 
required  to  be  taken  up.  A  few  interrupted  stitches  were  put 
in,  and*  as  the  quey  had  necessarily  to  stand  during  the  opera- 
tion, there  being  only  one  man  and  a  boy  present  at  its  com- 
mencement, orders  were  given  to  let  go  the  under  jaw,  when 
the  animal  immediately  sprang  over  a  four-foot  wall.  I  Iiave 
not  seen  her  since,  but  have  learned  that  she  is  doing  well. 

"  She  is  the  property  of  Mr.  George  Reay,  cattle-dealer, 
here,  being  one  of  the  stock-cattle  on  his  farm  of  Caira,  parish 
of  Tarmadice.  I  need  make  no  remark  on  the  origin,  pro- 
gress, structure,  locality,  and  treatment  of  such  tumors,  such 
being  already  well  known  to  veterinary  practitioners.     Farm- 


334  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

ers,  however,  would  do  well  (now  that  the  disease  is  very 
common)  to  feed  oif  cattle  so  affected  or  predisposed,  when  it 
is  possible  to  do  so,  and  not  to  breed  from  such  stock,  as  it  is 
generally  difficult  and  sometimes  impossible  to  remove  the 
tumors  when  once  formed.  It  would  also  be  for  their  interest 
to  pay  less  attention  to  the  direct  treatment,  by  entrusting  that 
in  the  hands  of  a  practitioner,  and  to  attend  more  to  the  neg- 
ative treatment,  such  as  blood-letting,  avoiding  refrigerants, 
such  as  nitrate  of  potash,  and  all  other  medicines  that  tend  to 
diminish  the  fibrine  of  the  blood,  particularly  all  mucurial 
preparations,  and,  in  general,  to  avoid  every  thing  formerly  used 
in  the  treatment  of  scrofula  in  the  human  subject.  But  this 
they  will  not  always  attend  to  when  any  thing  is  wrong  with 
any  of  their  cattle ;  they  must  not  merely  get  direct  treat- 
ment, but  without  due  discrimination  they  must  share  and 
share  alike," 

CORDS  IN  YOUNG  CALVES. 

A  disease  to  which  the  above  name  is  given,  occasionally  ap- 
pears among  young  calves.  It  is  an  inflammatory  affection, 
and  particularly  manifests  itself  in  contractions  of  the  sinews,  — 
tendinous  structures  ;  hence  the  name  —  cords.  White  contends 
that  calves  are  most  liable  to  be  affected  by  this  disorder  during 
the  first  days  or  weeks  after  they  are  dropped.  If  they  outlive 
five  or  six  weeks,  they  are  seldom  in  any  danger.  Calves  that 
suck  their  mothers  are  not  so  liable  to  the  disease,  as  those 
which  are  reared  by  hand.  The  greatest  number  of  calves 
that  fall  a  sacrifice  to  this  disease,  if  not  the  whole  of  them, 
are  those  which  are  closely  confined  to  the  house  from  their 
birth,  without  ever  being  exposed  to  the  free,  open  air.  It  is  a 
well-known  fact,  that  calves  which  are  dropped  and  remain  in 
the  fields  are  in  little  or  no  danger.  —  Farmer's  Magazine,  vol. 
iv.  p.  59.  INIr.  Lawrence,  in  his  Treatise  on  Cattle,  observes, 
that  "  a  complaint  called  the  cords  has  recently  destroyed  a 
number  of  young  calves  in  Scotland,  both  such  as  have  been 
calved  abroad  and  under  shelter.     Those  which  are  brought  up 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  335 

by  harul  are  most  liable,  and  the  most  dangerous  period  is  the 
first  week  or  two  after  birth." 

As  a  preventive  I  should  give  the  new-born  calf  (provided 
he  have  no  discharge  from  the  bowels)  a  wine-glassful  of  castor 
oil ;  yet  if  the  mother  yield  milk,  and  the  calf  immediately  after 
birth  imbibes  the  same,  there  is  no  need  of  giving  any  medi- 
cine. The  object  in  giving  castor  oil  is  to  purge  off  the 
meconium  —  first  excrement.  The  first  flow  of  milk,  however, 
will  meet  the  emergency,  and  it  is  only  in  cases  of  suspended 
lacteal  secretion,  or  in  cases  of  acute  garget,  when  the  cow 
cannot  yield  milk,  that  I  recommend  the  castor  oil.  Should 
the  oil  purge  the  calf  too  actively,  twenty  drops  of  the  oil  of 
anise-seed  or  peppermint,  may  be  given  in  half  a  pint  of  Hour 
gruel. 

Should  the  animal  be  dangerously  attacked,  and  the  contrac- 
tions of  the  tendinous  structures  violent,  let  the  little  creature 
be  placed  in  a  warm  bath  for  a  few  minutes  ;  then  give  him  a 
good  rubbing  with  coarse  towels,  after  which  he  will  probably 
do  well. 

STEAMED  AND  COOKED  FOOD  FOR  STOCK. 

In  view  of  fattening  neat  stock,  and  augmenting  the  quantity 
of  milk  in  dairy  cows,  I  recommend  the  use  of  steamed  and 
cooked  food. 

It  has  been  satisfactorily  proved  that  fat  cattle,  of  the  best 
quality,  may  be  produced  by  feeding  them  on  boiled  food. 

Dr.  Whitlaw  says :  "  On  one  occasion,  a  number  of  cows 
were  selected  from  a  large  stock,  for  the  express  purpose  of 
making  the  trial ;  they  were  such  as  appeared  to  be  of  the  best 
kind,  and  those  that  gave  the  richest  milk.  In  order  to  ascer- 
tain what  particular  food  would  produce  the  best  milk,  different 
species  of  grass  and  clover  were  tried  separately,  and  the  qual- 
ity and  flavor  of  the  butter  were  found  to  vary  very  much. 
But  what  was  of  the  most  importance,  many  of  the  grasses 
were  found  to  be  coated  with  silicia,  or  decomposed  sand,  too 
hard  and  insoluble  for  the  stomachs  of  cattle.     In  consequence 


O  0  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

of  this  the  grass  was  cut  and  well  steamed,  and  it  was  found  to 
be  readily  digested ;  and  the  butter  that  was  made  from  the 
milk,  much  firmer,  better  flavored,  and  would  keep  longer 
without  salt  than  any  other  kind.  Another  circumstance  that 
attended  the  experiment  was  that,  in  all  the  various  grasses  and 
grains  that  were  intended  by  our  Creator  as  food  for  man  or 
beast,  the  various  oils  that  enter  into  their  composition  were  so 
powerfully  assimilated  or  combined  with  the  other  properties 
of  the  farinaceous  plants,  that  the  oil  partook  of  the  character 
of  essential  oil,  and  was  not  so  easily  evaporated  as  that  of 
poisonous  vegetables  ;  and  experience  has  proved  that  the  same 
quantity  of  grass,  steamed  and  given  to  the  cattle,  will  produce 
more  butter  than  when  given  in  its  dry  state.  This  fact  being 
established  from  numerous  experiments,  then,  there  must  be  a 
great  saving  and  superiority  in  this  mode  of  feeding.  The  meat 
of  such  cattle  is  tnore  wholesome,  tender,  and  better  flavored 
than  when  fed  on  the  ordinary  food." 

"A  mixed  diet  (boiled)  is  supposed  to  be  the  most  econom- 
ical for  fattening  cattle.  *  A  Scotchman,  who  fattens  150  head 
of  Galloway  cattle  annually,  finds  it  most  profitable  to  feed 
with  bruised  flax-seed,  boiled  with  meat  or  barley,  oats  or  In- 
dian corn,  at  the  rate  of  one  part  flax-seed  to  three  parts  meal, 
by  weight — the  cooked  compound  to  be  afterwards  mixed 
with  cut  straw  or  hay.  From  four  to  twelve  pounds  of  the 
compound  are  given  to  each  beast  per  day.'  The  editor  of  the 
Albany  Cultivator  adds  :  ^  Would  it  not  be  well  for  some  of  our 
farmers  who  stall  feed  cattle,  to  try  this  or  a  similar  mode  ?  We 
are  by  no  means  certain  that  the  ordinary  food  (meaning,  prob- 
ably, bad  hay  and  cornstalks)  would  pay  the  exp  ense  of  cook- 
ing ;  but  flax-seed  is  known  to  be  highly  nutritious,  and  the 
cooking  would  not  only  facilitate  its  digestion,  but  it  would 
serve,  by  mixing,  to  render  the  other  food  palatable,  and,  by 
promoting  the  appetite  and  health  of  the  animal,  would  be 
likely  to  hasten  its  thrift.' "     (See  article  on  diet.) 

An  article  on  steamed  food  for  stock,  lately  appeared  in  the 
columns  of  the  Mark  Lane  Eocpress.  It  does  not  sustain  my 
theory  exactly,  yet  the  closing  paragraph  proves  all  I  contend 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  337 

for  at  the  commencement  of  this  article.  It  is  my  opinion  that 
in  order  to  test  the  real  value  o^  steamed  over  raw  food,  the  ex- 
periments must  be  conducted  with  great  care,  and  be  continued 
for  some  time,  during  which  it  must  not  be  expected  that  the 
animal  will  thrive  in  health  and  flesh,  unless  it  have  an  occa- 
sional meal  of  its  more  natural  food  in  its  raw  state.  What  I 
mean  by  the  "  real  value  "  of  steamed  food,  is  its  usefulness  in 
the  animal  economy,  as  fi  co-agent  with  the  unsteamed  articles 
of  fodder ;  and  considerable  discretion  will  be  needed  in  making 
selections  among  articles  of  food;  some  of  which  might  be 
improved,  or  rather,  rendered  more  acceptable  to  the  palate, 
and  convenient  for  mastication ;  while  others  might  be  deteri- 
orated by  the  same  process.  I  select  the  following  from  the 
above  source :  — 

"  As  to  steaming  food  for  cattle,  there  is  considerable  differ- 
ence of  opinion  among  theoretical  writers.  Among  practical 
men  there  is  little  difference  of  opinion,  especially  where  ex- 
periments have  been  individually  undertaken.  The  late  Mr. 
Howden,  of  Lawhead,  East-Lothian,  undertook  a  series  of  ex- 
periments on  feeding  cattle  with  steamed  food.  Lots  of  cattle 
of  similar  age  and  breeding  were  selected  and  divided.  Those 
cattle  fed  on  turnips  and  potatoes  given  raw,  made  rather 
greater  progress  than  those  fed  on  the  prepared  food,  equal 
quantities  being  given.  The  difference  was  slight, —  still  it  was 
perceptible;  the  rate  of  progress  being  tested  by  girthing  the 
animals ;  and  the  condition  generally,  by  handling.  The  exper- 
iments were  carried  on  for  more  than  one  season,  with  nearly 
the  same  result.  A  lot  of  young  cattle,  a  year  and  a  half  old, 
fed  on  boiled  beans,  made  very  rapid  progress,  and  left  a  profit 
beyond  payment  for  their  food  consumed.  They  were  cheap 
when  purchased,  and  the  value  of  beef  was  at  the  time  rela- 
tively high  with  that  of  lean  cattle.  Of  course,  the  straw  was 
not  prepared,  either  by  steaming  or  cutting  into  chaff.  Other 
experiments  with  steamed  food  have  been,  from  time  to  time, 
undertaken  in  that  county,  and  with  nearly  the  same  result.  In 
every  case  that  came  under  our  observation,  the  preparing  of 
food  by  steaming  and  boiling  was,  after  a  time,  given  up. 
29 


338         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

"  In  feeding  dairy  stock  when  in  milk,  steaming  and  boiling 
food  is  known  to  be  profitable ;  but  the  health  of  the  animal 
sometimes  suffers,  compared  with  that  of  cows  kept  partly  on 
raw  and  partly  on  prepared  food." 

CHEAP  FODDER  FOR   COWS. 

Straw  contains  much  farinaceous  aliment.  The  attention 
of  agriculturists  in  France  has  recently  been  directed  to  the 
discovery  of  a  method  of  converting  straw  into  a  kind  of  bran. 
The  discovery  has  been  claimed  by  two  individuals.  The  first 
is  a  miller,  near  Dijon,  who,  it  is  said,  on  trying  the  mill-stone 
of  a  new  mill,  discovered  the  possibility  of  converting  straw 
into  a  nourishing  food ;  the  second,  M.  Jos.  Maitre,  of  Vil- 
lotte,  near  Chatillon. 

This  distinguished  agriculturist,  known  for  the  purity  and 
perfection  of  his  breeds  of  sheep,  conceived  the  idea  of  con- 
verting into  farina  not  only  the  straw  of  wheat  and  other 
grains,  but  of  hay,  trefoil,  lucern,  sanfoin,  etc.  His  eflTorts  are 
said  to  have  been  perfectly  successful,  and  his  discovery  arrived 
at,  not  by  chance,  but  by  long  experiment  and  research.  The 
aliment  which  he  has  produced  is  said  to  be  a  complete  substi- 
tute for  bran.  It  is  given  to  sheep  and  lambs,  who  consume  it 
with  avidity,  and  may  be  given  to  all  other  graminivorous  ani- 
mals as  a  grateful  and  substantial  food.  We  know,  in  this 
country,  that  the  mere  chopping  of  straw  adds  greatly  to  its 
powers,  by  facilitating  mastication  and  digestion.  We  may 
believe  that  a  more  perfect  comminution  of  its  parts  will  pro- 
duce a  corresponding  effect,  and  extend  very  widely  the  uses 
of  straw  and  other  fodder,  as  a  means  of  feeding  our  domestic 
animals. 

This  sort  of  aliment  is  very  excellent,  when  combined  with 
a  sufficient  amount  of  nutrimental  matter,  for  animals  whose 
systems  lack  the  requisite  amount  of  phosphates  and  phosphoric 
acids.  A  milch  cow,  for  example,  whose  lacteal  vessels  yield, 
in  the  form  of  milk,  the  above  equivalents,  may  be  benefited 
by  an  occasional  feed  of  straw  meal. 


THE    DISEASES    OP    CATTLE.  339 

CHINESE   SUGAR-CANE   AS   FOOD   FOR   STOCK. 

It  is  my  opinion  that  the  Chinese  Sugar-cane  is  a  valuable 
article  as  food  for  neat  stock ;  but  it  should  be  fed  to  them 
before  it  becomes  fibrous  and  tough. 

A  writer  in  the  Chronicle  and  Sentinel,  who  appears  to  be 
better  qualified  to  judge  of  the  value  of  this  kind  of  fodder 
than  the  author  of  this  work,  has  given  husbandmen  the  benefit 
of  his  experience,  as  follows  :  — 

"  Allow  me  a  small  space  to  *  give  in  '  my  experience  as  to 
the  virtues  of  Chinese  sugar-cane  as  food  for  stock.  I  wish  to 
do  so,  because  I  have  recently  read  several  notices  of  the  dele- 
terious effects  of  the  cane  upon  cattle,  and  have  also  learned 
that,  in  some  parts  of  an  adjoining  county,  it  is  being  cut  down 
and  suffered  to  rot  upon  the  ground,  for  fear  the  cattle  or  hogs 
or  horses  might  accidentally  get  a  bite  of  it !  This  is  the  most 
ridiculous  aspect  through  which  I  have  looked  at  the  case,  and 
I  have  had  my  cachinatory  muscles  no  little  exercised  in  con- 
sequence thereof.  But  to  the  '  law  and  the  testimony.'  This 
is  my  third  season  of  cultivating  the  Chinese  cane.  I  have 
seven  acres  of  it  this  year,  five  of  which  I  planted  for  the  ex- 
press purpose  of  feeding  it,  green  and  dry,  to  horses,  cattle,  and 
hogs ;  and  since  the  first  of  June  until  now,  I  have  been  feed- 
ing it  daily  to  those  animals.  My  calves  have  run  daily  upon 
two  acres,  sown  broadcast,  since  that  time.  My  cows  and 
oxen,  while  sick  with  the  '  black  tongue,'  were  daily  fed  with 
it.  My  oxen,  when  at  work,  are  fed  upon  it ;  horses  ditto. 
My  hogs  are  daily  fed  with  the  cane  now,  and  are  in  fine  grow- 
ing order.  I  intend  to  fatten  my  pork  upon  the  cane,  as  not 
only  good  feed,  but  equal  to  corn  for  the  same  purpose.  These 
facts  can  be  attested  by  my  neighbors,  for  they  know  all  about 
them.  After  three  years'  experience  with  the  Chinese  sugar- 
cane, I  have  come  to  the  following  conclusions  with  regard  to 
it ;  and  I  give  them  for  what  they  are  worth,  not  caring  a  '  baw 
bee '  whether  or  not  they  are  endorsed  by  the  people  :  — 

"  1.  For  forage,  either  green  or  dry,  there  is   no  plant  so 
I     valuable. 


340         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

"  2.  More  grain  can  be  made  upon  the  same  land  tlian  oats 
will  produce,  with  an  analytic  value  as  food  of  one-third  over 
oats. 

"  3.  For  hogs,  it  is  next  to  corn,  in  every  particular. 

"  4.  For  syrup,  it  is  equal  to  any  cane,  and  for  sugar,  ditto. 

"  This  is  no  mere  speculation ;  I  have  tried  the  forage,  made 
syrup  and  sugar,  and,  for  the  analysis  of  its  value  as  food,  am 
indebted  to  Prof.  Lee. 

"  If  the  Patent  Office  had  done  no  other  thing  than  import 
this  seed,  it  deserves  the  commendation  of  the  whole  country ; 
and  while  politicians  are  wrangling  over  the  '  tithes  of  anise, 
mint,  and  cummin,  and  neglecting  the  weightier  matters  of  the 
law,' let  the 'bone  and  sinew'  —  the  producers  of  the  coun- 
try —  sustain  the  only  bureau  of  the  federal  government  which 
benefits  them  by  the  distribution  of  seeds." 

THE  VALUE  OP  NATURAL  FOOD,  IN  CONTRAST  WITH 
ARTIFICIAL  FOOD 

It  is  well  known  to  the  husbandmen  of  the  West,  that  in 
the  rich  pastures  of  Illinois,  where  the  tall  but  original  herbage 
of  the  prairies  has  been  supplanted  by  a  thick  turf  of  blue 
grass,  cattle  are  reared  of  a  prodigious  size.  The  Chicago 
Press,  under  the  head  of  "  Illinois  cattle  the  largest  in  the 
world,"  gives  an  account  of  one  hundred  head  of  cattle,  raised 
by  B.  F.  Harris,  in  Champaign  County,  Illinois.  He  fed  them 
for  the  New  York  market,  and,  previous  to  shipping  them,  he 
had  them  accurately  weighed,  which  resulted  in  an  aggregate 
gross  weight  of  118*  tons,  or  2,373  pounds  each.  Twenty-five 
of  the  best  and  fattest  weighed  33  tons  550  pounds,  or  an 
average  of  2,6G2  pounds  each.  "The  baby"  of  twenty-five, 
kicked  the  beam  at  5,876  pounds.  It  will  giv^e  some  correct 
idea  of  the  condition  of  these  bullocks,  when  the  fact  is  stated 
that  three  days  were  required  and  needed  to  drive  them  to  the 
railroad  station,  fourteen  miles.  The  average  age  of  the  one 
hundred  is  less  than  five  years.  Not  one  has  ever  been  housed 
a  day  in  his  life.    A  half-dozen  pairs  only  have  been  yoked,  and 


THE    DISEASES    OP   CATTLE.  341 


a  less  number  worked.  Thej  were  pastured  and  herded  on 
the  prairies  in  summer,  and  in  the  winter  fed  on  corn  in  the 
"hock,  and  yarded  along  the  skirts  of  the  Sangamon  timber. 

BLACK  LEG 

Various  are  the  names  given  to  an  affection  of  the  above 
kind.  Some  persons  call  it  inflammatory  fever,  gangrene,  etc. 
Then  again  it  gets  its  name  from  the  region  in  which  it  first 
appeared.  So  if  it  first  appears  in  the  region  of  the  thigh,  it  is 
called  quarter  ill,  quarter  evil,  black  quarter,  joint  murrain,  etc. ; 
hence  it  appears  to  have  as  many  names  as  there  are  locations 
for  it. 

The  Nature  of  Black  Leg.  —  Youatt,  and  other  orthodox  vet- 
erinary writers,  contend  that  this  affection  is  a  pure  inflamma- 
tory fever,  yet  at  l^e  same  time  they  admit  that  cattle  of  all 
descriptions,  ages,  and  conditions  are  subject  to  it.  Now  I  think 
it  will  be  very  difiicult  to  prove  that  inflammatory  fever  can 
attain  a  very  high  grade  in  the  system  of  an  animal  in  poor 
condition.  The  very  reverse  is  the  case  ;  for  disease  of  a  low 
typhoid  type,  and  those  which  are  known  to  run  a  rapid  course, 
are  apt  to  pounce  upon  animals  having  but  little  vital  resist- 
ance —  being  out  of  condition,  as  the  saying  is. 

In  my  opinion,  this  is  an  epizootic  affection,  and,  like  most 
epizootics,  its  pathology  must  necessarily  be  obscure.  In  ap- 
plying the  term  black-leg,  black-quarter,  etc.,  to  this  affection 
—  epizootic  or  enzootic  —  leads  us  into  error  in  supposing  that 
it  is  merely  a  local  affection,  limited  to  a  certain  part^when,  in 
fact,  it  is  a  general  affection,  showing  itself  in  various  parts  of 
the  economy  at  the  same  time.  For  example :  in  the  early 
stage,  when  a  limb  or  part  is  swollen  and  distended  with  gas,  the 
various  organs  and  functions  of  the  body  are  more  or  less  dis- 
turbed ;  even  in  the  early  stage,  the  respirations  are  short  and 
quick;  pulse  accelerated  —  a  mere  fluttering  action  scarcely 
perceptible ;  the  coat  stares ;  rumination  is  suspended ;  the 
bowels  are  constipated,  and  the  nervous  system  is  affected ;  for 
the  beast  staggers,  and  soon  becomes  comatose  ;  death  fre-? 
29* 


342         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

quently  takes  place  in  the  course  of  from  twelve  to  twenty-four 
hours.  It  will  be  perceived,  therefore,  that  the  local  affection 
is  not  proportionate,  in  degree  or  extent,  to  the  severity  and 
magnitude  of  the  general  symptoms ;  therefore  it  is  a  general 
disease. 

The  autopsy  clearly  indicates  the  ravages  which  this  epi- 
zootic or  enzootic  makes  on  the  general  economy.  Youatt 
informs  us  that  "  The  chief  appearances  after  death  will  be 
venous  congestion  every  where.  It  affects  both  of  the  pleurae, 
the  whole  substance  of  the  lungs,  brain,  and  peritoneum  ;  the 
intestines  and  stomach  are  also  affected."  Therefore,  what  we 
perceive  externally,  in  the  form  of  tumors,  emsphysema,  ulcers, 
sloughing,  and  mortification,  are  only  the  symptoms  of  a  gen- 
eral malady.  Mr.  Ernes  informs  us,  through  the  pages  of  The 
Veterinarian,  that  "  black-quarter"  (which  is  the  same  as  ""black 
leg")  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  that  (ii'eadful  malady  of 
horses  and  cattle  called  by  the  French  charhon.  Anthrax, 
would,  perhaps,  be  the  better  appellation,  seeing  its  characters 
are  a  hard,  circumscribed  tumor,  exceedingly  painful,  with  ten- 
sion and  burning  heat  in  the  subcutaneous  cellular  tissue.  This 
is  often  depressed  in  its  centre,  and  sometimes  preceded  by  a 
small  opening. 

According  to  authorities,  "the  tunaor  of  black  leg,  though  small 
at  first,  suddenly  increases  in  size,  sometimes  to  that  of  a  child's 
head.  Gangrene  soon  supervenes,  beginning  in  the  centre  and 
extending  to  the  circumference,  which  rapidly  converts  the 
whole  into  an  eschar  of  a  black  color,  similar  to  a  piece  of 
charcoal ;  hence  its  name  (charhon).  The  eschar  is  sometimes 
several  inches  in  diameter,  and  is  almost  always  either  preceeded 
or  accompanied  by  bladders,  which  form  a  sort  of  areola  around 
it.  There  is  also  always  an  oidematous  swelling,  more  or  less 
considerable,  owing  to  an  emphysematous  state,  and  an  infiltra- 
tion of  serum  or  sero-gelatine  into  the  cellular  tissue,  which 
crackles  on  pressure,  caused  by  the  presence  of  gases.  The 
danger  and  rapidity  of  the  disease  are  such,  that,  when  an  an- 
imal is  attacked,  after  a  violent  access  of  fever,  it  falls  a  sac- 
rifice to  it  in  a  few  hours,  rarely  exceeding  twenty-four  or 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  343 

thirty-six.  All  animals  are  subject  to  it,  but  the  herbivora 
more  so  than  others.  It  is  either  epizootic  or  enzootic ;  the 
first  is  the  most  destructive." 

I  now  consider  the  point  settled  regarding  the  nature  of  the 
disease ;  viz.,  it  is  an  epizootic  or  enzootic  affection,  and,  of 
course,  is  subject  to  the  same  laws  which  govern  diseases  of 
this  type.  This  will  explain  the  otherwise  unaccountable  vari- 
ations which  are  observed  in  the  symptoms  of  the  affection 
when  prevailing  in  different  localities,  and  it  also  enables  us  to 
account  for  the  great  losses  which  Messrs.  Shortfeed  and  Over- 
feed are  continually  encountering.  The  fact  is,  all  overfed 
animals  may  be  ranked  as  gluttons,  and  all  half-starved  an- 
imals furnish  a  savory  morsel  for  the  great  epizootic  patholog- 
ical glutton,  which,  like  the  epidemic  one  that,  hovering  around 
the  city  of  New  Orleans,  a  few  years  ago,  destroyed  several 
thousands  of  its  inhabitants  ere  it  touched  a  single  sober  citizen. 

When  this  disease  rages  in  a  single  locality,  it  is  supposed  to 
have  a  spontaneous  origin.  Then  the  term  enzootic  is  applied  to 
it ;  and  if  it  prevail  among  the  cattle  of  an  extensive  region, 
then  it  is  called  epizootic. 

Causes  of  Blqck  Leg,  etc.  —  The  causes  of  this  affection  are 
as  obscure  as  those  of  cholera,  influenza,  potato  rot,  etc.  They 
seem  to  appear  independent  of  local  causes,  occur  at  uncertain 
intervals,  prevail  for  indefinite  periods,  and  run  their  course  in 
a  sliort  space  of  time.  It  is  supposed  by  some  persons  that  a 
disease  of  this  character  and  nature  is  propagated  by  contagion 
or  infection.  How  far  it  is  engendered  in  these  ways,  I  am  not 
prepared  to  decide.  There  must,  however,  have  been  a  time 
when  the  disease  did  not  exist,  but  must  have  arisen  from  a 
concurrence  of  natural  caus"es  ;  and  if  these  were  adequate  to 
its  production  at  an  anterior  period,  they  must  be  so  at  the 
present  time.  I  shall,  therefore,  abandon  all  further  specula- 
tion in  this  direction  as  unprofitable,  for  there  is  evidently  no 
direct  cause,  but  various  are  the  predisposing,  exciting,  indirect, 
and  morbid  causes.  The  only  way  that  I  know  of  to  prevent 
tliis  malady  is  to  keep  the  cattle  in  a  physiological  condition, 
by  paying  proper  attention  to  breeding,  feeding,  rearing,  and 


344         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

housing.  For  animals  in  a  perfectly  healthy  state  are  certain 
to  enjoy  immunity  from  this  and  other  diseases. 

I  have  lately  noticed  several  articles  in  agricultural  papers 
on  the  prevention  of  black  leg,  which  in  the  name  of  comtnon 
humanity  I  am  compelled  to  notice.  The  one  I  have  thought 
proper  to  select  reads  as  follows  :  — 

"  Preventive.  —  Take  spring  calves  in  the  month  of  October ; 
cut  a  small  incision  in  the  hollow  above  the  foot.  On  the  top 
of  the  flesh  a  small  blue  vein  appears  ;  take  a  crooked  instru- 
ment, in  the  shape  of  an  awl,  and"  put  the  point  under  the  vein, 
raise  It  up  so  that  it  can  be  cut,  and  take  about  an  eighth  of 
an  inch  out  of  the  vein.  Don't  sew  up  the  incision.  It  must 
be  done  on  all  the  four  feet. 

"  I  have  cut  many  hundreds,  and  have  known  of  thousands 
being  cut,  and  never  knew  of  one  dying  with  the  above  disease 
after  being  cut." 

Now  I  am  not  disposed  to  scold,  or  find  fault,  nor  question 
the  intentions  of  men  who  recommend  or  practice  such  out- 
rageous barbarities  under  the  guise  of  doctoring  sick  animals, 
but  I  wish  to  remind  the  intelligent  reader  that  cattle  have 
nei-ves  to  feel  and  are  as  keenly  sensible  to  pain  as  we  are, 
therefore,  all  unnecessary  operations,  even  should  they  have 
received  the  seal  of  antiquity,  ought  to  be  avoided.  This  is 
the  age  of  progression.  The  lamp  of  veterinary  science  is 
illuminating  the  mystified  halo  which  has  hitherto  surrounded 
our  barn -yard  practice ;  and  before  the  barbarities  of  by-gone 
(lays  are  practised  on  our  domestic  animals,  let  us  be  satisfied 
that  we  are  using  rational  means  for  the  recovery  of  the  sick, 
such  as  scit3nce  and  common  sense  confirms.  Just  as  rational 
would  it  be,  if  it  were  at  all  rational,  to  take  an  infant  and 
divide  one  of  the  posterior  veins  of  both  feet,  in  view  of 
preventing  disease  common  to  adult  life,  which,  after  all, 
might  never  occur,  the  little  creature  not  being  predisposed 
thereto. 

Let  any  one  just  study  the  anatomical  structure  of  the  foot 
of  an  ox,  and  he  will  iearn  that  the  vein  which  we  are  recom- 
mended to  sever  and  amputate  from,  is  called  the  coronary,  and 


^  THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  oio 

IS  engaged  in  returning  blood  from  the  vast  venous  plexuses 
ot'  tlie  foot,  which  requires  to  come  in  contact  with  the  lungs, 
for  purification  and  oxygenization.  Any  impediments,  such  as 
severing  a  vein,  which  interrupts  the  free  circulation  or  return 
of  blood  to  the  heart  and  lungs,  cannot  be  beneficial,  but 
otherwise. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  vein  is  nothing  more  than  an  elastic 
hollow  tube,  a  mere  vehicle,  through  which  the  blood  courses ; 
therefore,  it  cannot  be  supposed  to  have  any  specific  power  over 
other  parts  of  the  organization,  in  warding  off  disease. 

I  shall  not  trouble  the  reader  with  any  farther  remarks  on 
the  subject  of  irrational  and  barbarous  prevention  ;  for  I  pre- 
sume that  the  introduction  of  the  above  paragraph  will  answer 
all  the  purposes  intended. 

Among  physicians,  the  disease  is  known  as  hcematosepsis  ;  and 
our  experience  is,  that  it  usually  occurs  among  young  stock, 
and  generally  in  well-bred  animals  in  high  condition,  or  in 
native  stock  in  low  condition ;  yet  it  may  occur  in  the  system 
of  any  bovine,  as  the  result  of  sudden  change  in  the  quality 
of  the  food. 

Treatment  of  Black  Leg. —  It  is  an  unfortunate  occurrence 
that  this  disease  should  ever  have  been  classed  as  an  inflam- 
matory affection,  for  the  error  has  led  to  a  system  of  practice 
disastrous  as  the  cattle  plague.  The  following  paragraph  from 
Youatt,  will  serve  to  show  the  orthodox  method  of  treating  in- 
flammatory fever,  and  will  also  explain  the  reason  why  a  great 
proportion  of  the  animals  treated  die. 

"  The  very  name  of  the  disease  —  inflammatory  fever  —  indi- 
cates the  mode  of  treatment.  In  a  case  of  excessive  vascular 
action,  the  first  and  most  important  step  is  copious  depletion. 
As  much  blood  must  be  taken  as  the  animal  will  bear  to  lose ; 
and  the  stream  must  flow  on  until  the  animal  staggers  or 
threatens  to  fall.  Here,  more  than  in  any  other  disease,  there 
must  be  no  foolish  directions  about  quantities.  As  much  blood 
must  be  taken  away  as  can  be  got ;  for  it  is  only  by  the  bold 
and  persevering  use  of  depletory  measures  that  a  malady  can 
be  subdued  that  runs  its  course  so  rapidly. 


346  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

"  Purging  must  immediately  follow.  The  epsom  salts  are 
here,  as  in  most  inflammatory  diseases,  the  best  purgative.  A 
pound  and  a  half,  dissolved  in  water  or  gruel,  and  poured  down 
the  throat  as  gently  as  possible,  should  be  our  first  dose ;  and 
no  aromatic  should  accompany  it.  If  this  does  not  operate  in 
the  course  of  six  hours,  another  pound  should  be  given  ;  and 
after  that,  half  pound  doses  every  six  hours,  until  the  effect  is 
produced." 

It  is  a  wonder  to  me  how  any  creature  can  survive  such 
barbarous  treatment  as  this ;  yet,  even  at  the  present  day,  just 
such  doctrines  are  taught  in  the  schools,  and  practised  on  cat- 
tle, to  the  disgrace  of  science,  and  shame  on  those  men  who 
perpetrate  the  wickedness. 

Blood-letting  and  purging  can  have  no  good  effect  on  a  dis- 
ease like  this,  so  prostrating,  and  which  runs  its  course  to 
mortification  so  rapidly.  Such  a  wretched  system  of  practice 
has  always  failed,  and  ever  will  fail. 

That  form  of  treatment  which  reason  and  experience  sug- 
gests, is  the  best ;  for  example :  it  would  naturally  occur  to 
the  mind  free  from  the  prejudice  of  veterinary  orthodoxy, 
that  a  disease  which  runs  into  slouji^hinoj  and  mortification,  in 
a  few  short  hours,  must  require  life-sustaining  agents  ;  hence 
I  recommend  a  very  different  mode  of  treatment  from  that 
heretofore  practised. 

I  commence  the  treatment  thus  :  — 

Spirits  of  Hartshorn, 4  drachms. 

Tar-water, 1  quart. 

Tincture  of  Bloodroot, 1  ounce . 

Mix  the  hartshorn  and  tar-water  first ;  then  add  the  blood- 
root.  Drench  (dose  No.  1).  The  object  in  giving  the  harts- 
horn is  to  decarbonize  the  blood,  and  impart  healthy  stimulus 
to  the  nutrient  system  of  bloodvessels  and  nerves ;  and  this 
agent  will  do  it. 

Should  the  animal  show  any  lameness  in  the  back  or  hind 
quarters,  apply  tiie  following:  — 

Oil  of  Ce<lar, 2  ounces. 

Sulphuric  Ether, 2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  (/'apsicum, 1  ounce. 

Cod  Liver  Oil, 6  ounces. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  347 


* 


Mode  of  Preparation.  —  First,  mix  the  two  oils ;  then  add 
tlie  ether,  and  shake  them  thoroughly ;  lastly,  add  the  tincture. 

The  object  in  applying  this  preparation  is  to  arouse  capil- 
lary action,  and  thus  prevent  the  engorgements,  which,  accord- 
ing to  the  best  authorities,  are  everywhe^*e  found. 

Four  hours  after  administering  "  Dose  No.  1,"  drench  the 
patient  with  the  following  :  — 

Liquid  Tar, 1  onnce. 

Glycerine, 4  ounces. 

Thin  Gruel, 1  quart. 

If  the  urgency  of  the  case  demands  it,  this  dose  may  be 
repeated,  at  intervals  of  four  hours,  until  symptoms  of  im- 
provement are  observed. 

The  tar  is  a  powerful  antiseptic,  and  prevents  decomposition, 
emphysema,  and  mortification. 

All  sores  and  ulcers  must  be  dressed  with  pyroligneous  acid, 
and  kept  constantly  sprinkled  with  powdered  bloodroot.  AH 
abscesses  must  be  punctured  with  a  thumb  lancet ;  their  con- 
tents evacuated  by  pressure,  and  syringing  them  with  soap- 
suds, and  their  cavities  must  be  crammed  with  fine  salt.  Should 
any  sores  or  ulcers  be  observed  about  the  muzzle,  mouth,  or 
throat,  tincture  of  matico  is  the  remedy,  or  liquid  tar ;  one 
ounce  of  the  same  may  be  introduced  into  the  mouth  of  the 
patient ;  it  will  surely  do  good. 

If  the  patient  be  weak  and  debilitated,  tonics  are  indicated  ; 
goldenseal,  in  two  drachm  doses,  may  be  incorporated  in  the 
food,  in  direct  ratio  to  the  urgency  of  the  case. 

BLACK  TONGUE. 

This  epizootic  has  of  late  raged  very  extensively  in  North 
and  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  and  Florida. 

"  The  Mobile  Mercury  records  the  death  of  two  persons  near 
that  place,  from  drinking  milk  from  diseased  cows,  besides  the 
deaths  of  several  others  from  the  same  cause  at  a  distance.  It 
appears  that  domestic  cattle  are  not  alone  the  sufferers,  but  that 
in  Florida,  particularly,  the  deer  are  perishing  from  the  same 
disease  in  large  numbers,  and,  according  to  a  letter  in  the  Sa- 


34:8  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

vannah  Itepuhlican^  ^ogs,  and  the  buzzards  in  Burke  County, 
Georgia,  that  have  eaten  the  flesh  of  cattle  that  have  died  of 
the  black  tongue,  have  perished  from  the  effects  of  such  poison- 
ous diet.  The  cause  of  this  malignant  disease  does  not  seem 
to  have  been  yet  ascertained,  though  by  many  it  is  attributed 
to  the  rust,  which,  in  various  parts  of  the  Southern  States,  as 
elsewhere,  has  affected  the  grain  crops,  and,  it  is  said,  in  some 
places,  the  grass  also.  The  cattle  are  attacked  by  stiffness,  and 
walk  as  though  foundered,  while  froth  is  discharged  in  large 
quantities  from  the  mouth ;  they  can  eat  nothing,  fall  away 
rapidly,  and  the  tongue  and  gums  become  dreadfully  swollen, 
and  turn  black,  and  death  speedily  releases  them  from  their 
agony." 

Treatment  of  Black  Tongue.  —  The  rapid  progress  which 
usually  attends  this  dreadful  epizootic  calls  for  prompt  and  en- 
ergetic treatment.  It  is  evidently  a  congestive  disease,  and 
very  apt  to  run  into  the  typhoid  stage  and  end  in  sudden  death. 
The  moment  an  animal  is  suspected  to  be  the  subject  of  this 
malady,  he  should  be  drenched  with  table  salt,  twelve  ounces ; 
warm  water,  one  quart ;  to  which  add  tincture  of  capsicum,  two 
ounces.  This  medicine  will  act  as  a  powerful  antiseptic  and 
stimulating  tonic,  thus  preserving  the  animal  tissues  against 
putrescence ;  and  at  the  same  time  it  relieves  the  venous  con- 
gestion. If,  on  applying  the  hand  to  any  part  of  the  body,  a 
crackling  sound  is  elicited,  the  animal  is  then  said  to  be  emphy- 
sematous, which  signifies  an  accumulation  of  gas  beneath  the 
skin.  The  patient  should  tl»en  be  immediately  drenched  with 
two  ounces  of  pyroligneous  acid,  twenty-eight  drops  of  pure  oil 
of  sassafras,  linseed  tea  one  quart.  Mix  the  oil  with  the  lat- 
ter, then  add  the  acid.  After  having  drenched  the  animal, 
apply  a  portion  of  the  following  to  the  tumefactions,  or  em- 
physematous region :  — 

Soft  Soap, 4  ounces. 

Oil  of  Saasafras, i  ounc*. 

Dissolve  the  sassafras  in  two  ounces  of  alcohol. 

Tincture  of  Capsicum, 2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  Peruvian  Bark, 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  rub  the  external  surface  with  a  portion  of  the 
same. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  349 

The  swollen  tongue  should  be  frequently  covered  with  fine 
salt ;  and  the  moment  there  appears  any  improvement,  tonic 
medicines  should  be  given.  One  ounce  of  the  fluid  extract  of 
camomile  flowers  may  be  given,  twice  daily.  This  remedy  will 
give  tone  to  the  system  and  restore  the  appetite. 

The  Wilmington  (Delaware)  Herald  says :  the  disease  called 
"black  tongue,"  which  has  been  causing  such  wide-spread 
destruction  among  the  cattle,  particularly  cows,  in  the  States 
South,  has  reached  that  place,  and  one  or  two  cows  have 
died  with  it,  and  others  are  infected.  A  particular  watch  has 
been,  in  consequence,  kept  upon  the  markets  by  the  municipal 
authorities. 

It  is  about  time  that  the  stock-raisers  in  this  country  should 
endeavor  to  use  their  influence  and  means  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  veterinary  schools,  or  rather,  in  view  of  sustaining 
those  now  incorporated ;  for  should  this  country  ever  be  visited 
by  any  of  those  dreadful  epizootics  which  occasionally  rage  in 
Europe,  a  vast  amount  of  property  will  be  sacrificed.  Very 
few  persons  in  the  United  States  know  anything  about  the  na- 
ture or  treatment  of  "  black  tongue,"  or  indeed  any  of  the  in- 
fectious and  contagious  epizootics  ;  and  if  they  should  make 
their  appearance  among  live  stock,  death  will  run  riot,  just 
because  of  our  ignorance  and  neglect  in  educating  men  for  the 
business. 

I  do  hope  that  a  change  in  the  sentiments  of  stock-owners 
will  ere  long  take  place,  and  that  they  may  be  led  to  see  the 
necessity  of  having  an  efficient  corps  of  veterinary  surgeons, 
properly  qualified,  to  render  valuable  service  in  the  time  of 
need.  In  times  of  health,  prepare  to  guard  against  sickness 
and  death. 

ORGANIC   COMPOSITION  OF  THE  BODY. 

On    inspecting   the    animal    body,  or  rather,  a  part   of  it, 
under  the  livid  rays  of  a  powerful  microscope,  we  find  that  it 
is  composed  of  laminated  cells  of  different  degrees  of  compact- 
ness.    The   inlets    and   outlets  of  this  vast   piece  of  animal 
30  349 


350         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

mechanism,  vary  in  calibre  in  exact  ratio  to  the  compactness 
of  this,  that,  and  other  parts  and  organs.  Hence  we  find  that 
the  cornea  of  the  eye  —  a  dense  substance  —  is  entirely  com- 
posed of  laminse,  —  a  succession  of  plates  in  close  contact  with 
each  other.  On  the  other  hand,  a  tissue  less  dense,  like  that 
composing  the  muscles,  is  said  to  be  more  cellular  than  lami- 
nal.  These  portions  of  the  organism  constitute  what  physiolo- 
gists terra  the  solids.  However  dense  may  be  their  structure, 
both  laminaa  and  cells  have  openings  through  which  liquids 
pass  and  enter. 

The  body,  as  a  whole,  is  composed  of  four  elements  ;  namely, 
carbon,  hydrogen,  oxygen,  and  nitrogen.  These  four  primary 
animal  formations  coalesce,  in  persistent  proportions,  and  thus 
constitute  the  animal  organization,  —  the  solids  of  the  body. 
The  four  primary  elements  above  named  resolve  themselves 
by  varied  proportions,  into  constituent  molecules ;  thus,  as  a 
primary  proposition,  we  have  gelatine,  or  jelly,  a  substance 
which  can  be  extracted  by  the  ordinary  process  of  boiling  the 
tendons,  bones,  capsules  of  joints,  dura  mater,  cellular  tissue, 
or  any  other  part  of  the  animal  organization.  In  fact,  the 
whole  laminated  and  tendinous  structures  of  the  body  are 
chiefly  composed  of  this  gelatinous  material. 

The  presence  of  gelatine  in  the  animal  tissues  may  be 
demonstrated  as  follows ;  namely,  it  is  soluble  in  water,  but  not 
in  alcohol ;  it  liquifies  by  heat,  and  at  a  very  low  temperature 
it  becomes  solid,  and  yet  again  can  be  liquified  by  heat.  Gel- 
atine is  composed  of  thirteen  equivalents  of  carbon,  ten  of 
hydrogen,  two  of  nitrogen,  and  five  of  oxygen.  Its  power 
of  forming  a  jelly  is  (on  cooling)  such,  that  a  solution  of  one 
part  in  one  hundred  of  water,  will  become  a  consistent  solid. 

Next  we  have  albumen,  a  substance  identical  with  the  white 
of  eggs.  In  a  fluid  state,  it  coagulates  at  about  165*^  of 
Fahrenheit.  Alcohol,  various  acids,  and  astringents,  also  co- 
agulate it.  It  abounds  in  the  vegetable  as  well  as  animal 
kingdom.  In  the  former,  it  abounds  in  seeds,  roots,  stalks, 
and  leaves.  The  body  of  an  adult  contains  more  albumen 
than  that  of  a  young  animal.    Under  the  combined  action  of 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  351 

warmth  and  moisture,  it  readily  decomposes  and  yields  a  dis- 
agreeable effluvia.  It  is  composed  of  seventeen  equivalents 
of  carbon,  six  of  oxygen,  thirteen  of  hydrogen,  and  two  of 
nitrogen. 

Next  we  have  fibrine.  This  is  one  of  the  principal  constitu- 
ents of  all  the  muscles,  heart,  etc.  It  is  also  an  important 
constituent  of  the  blood,  and  may  be  separated  from  the  albu- 
men and  serum  of  the  latter,  by  simply  agitating  the  whole  in 
water.  It  then  assumes  a  light-colored,  and  solid,  filamentary 
form.  Therefore  fibrine  may  be  said  to  be  insoluble  in  water. 
Its  equivalents  are :  carbon,  eighteen ;  oxygen,  five ;  hydrogen, 
fourteen  ;  nitrogen,  three. 

There  are  various  auxiliary  constituents  which  enter  into 
the  staminal  formation  of  tissues,  although  those  just  alluded 
to  are  the  primary  elements  of  organization. 

FRACTURED  BONES. 

Fracture  of  bones,  occurring  among  neat  stock,  is  generally 
considered  as  a  justifiable  cause  for  their  destruction.  But  I 
object  to  this  summary  mode  of  disposing  of  unfortunate,  yet 
valuable,  animals ;  for  the  truth  is,  many  are  killed  that  might 
be  saved. 

The  trouble  of  managing,  and  the  expense  of  treating  cases 
of  fracture,  often  deter  husbandmen  from  performing  a  duty 
incumbent  on  them  in  view  of  protecting  their  property,  and 
acting  the  part  of  "  good  Samaritan ; "  but  the  facts  are,  the 
trouble  and  expense  are  mere  trifles  when  the  usefulness  of  a 
valuable  animal  is  involved. 

The  remedy  in  case  of  a  simple  fracture  of  bones,  under 
the  improved  system  of  practice,  is  neither  tedious  nor  expen- 
sive. The  bones  unite  very  readily,  if  kept  in  contact,  and  the 
unity  is  secured  by  means  of  starched  bandages.  Where  there 
is  any  laceration  of  the  soft  parts,  and  the  bone  is  broken  into 
several  pieces,  the  better  way  is  to  put  an  end  to  the  suff*er- 
jngs  of  the  creature,  for  recovery  is  impossible. 

The  following   case  will   give   some    idea   of   the    method 


3o2  TIIH    NATURE    AND    TREATMENT    OP 

of  treating  simple  fractures.  An  animal  under  treatment  for 
fracture,  may  be  placed  in  the  trevis,  if  necessary;  but  I  pre- 
fer to  let  the  patient  have  its  liberty  in  a  box  stall. 

The  limb  opposite  to  the  fractured  one,  will  have  to  sustain 
more  weight  than  usual ;  therefore,  I  try  to  prevent  swelling 
and  stiffness  by  occasional  hand  rubbing,  or  by  bathing  it  once 
or  twice  daily,  with  a  portion  of  the  following :  — 

Oil  of  Wormwood, 1  ounce.. 

Alcohol, 2  ounces. 

New  Rum, 2  quarts.    Mix 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  RADIUS  OF  A  CALF  CURED. 

This  was  a  case  of  simple  fracture  of  the  radius — bone 
above  the  knee  —  of  a  calf  about  six  months  old,  the  property 
of  a  gentleman  residing  in  Brookline.*  The  accident  was 
occasioned  in  consequence  of  the  animal  getting  his  leg  entan- 
gled in  a  fold  of  chain,  the  latter  being  used  for  the  purpose 
of  confining  him,  in  the  day  time,  to  a  grazing  spot. 

The  fracture  was  crosswise  of  the  long  diameter  of  the  bone 
in  the  central  region ;  viz.,  midway  between  its  superior  and 
inferior  extremities.  No  laceration  of  the  soft  tissues ;  nor 
comminution  of  bone.  The  diagnostic  symptom  was  crepitis 
—  crackling  noise. 

Treatment.  —  The  bones  were  brought  in  apposition,  and 
secured  by  means  of  slips  of  pasteboard  and  starched  ban- 
dages ;  and  in  order  to  keep  them  from  slipping  downwards, 
they  were  sewed  to  a  broad  belt,  which  passed  over  the  inferior 
cervial  region,  in  the  form  of  a  figure  8.  The  animal  did  not 
appear  to  like  this  contrivance,  or  else  he  liked  to  lick  the 
starch,  for  he  soon  commenced  to  nibble  the  wick-yarn  with 
which  it  was  marled  on,  and  so  loosened  the  bandage  that 
in  the  course  of  a  few  hours  it  slipped  below  the  carpus. 
So  soon  as  this  occurred,  I  was  again  summoned  to  visit 
the  patient.  I  now  procured  some  thick  tar,  and  with  it, 
smeared  the  limb  to  the  extent  which  was  to  be  covered  by 

*  Froin  the  author's  case  book. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  353 

bandage;  the  bandage  was  composed  of  common  sheeting, 
three  inches  wide,  three  yards  long,  and  this  was  also  well 
tarred,  and  after  being  neatly  applied,  was  secured  by  means 
of  the  many-tailed,  tarred  bandage.  This  had  the  desired 
effect ;  for,  however  well  the  animal  might  have  liked  the  taste 
of  starch,  he  apparently  had  no  relish  for  tar.  The  bandage 
remained  undisturbed. 

The  accident  happened  on  the  18th  day  of  August,  1857. 
On  the  4th  day  of  October,  the  osseous  union  was  complete ; 
the  bandage  had  been  removed  some  time  prior  to  the  latter 
date,  yet  the  condensed  tar  was  allowed  to  remain  on  the  skin 
for  some  time.  At  the  present  time,  his  limb  is  just  as  sym- 
metrical as  the  other,  and  no  one  but  a  skilful  surgeon  would 
ever  discover  that  the  bone  had  been  fractured. 

LIGHT  IN  BARNS. 

Bams  should  be  so  constructed,  by  the  insertion  of  windows 
in  various  parts  of  the  building,  that  they  shall  be  as  "  light  as 
day."  A  "  dark  "  barn  is  only  a  suitable  black  hole  for  some 
vicious  animal ;  it  is  the  very  worst  location  for  any  thing  that 
breathes.  Sir  A.  Nylie  (who  was  long  at  the  head  of  the  med- 
ical staff  in  the  Russian  army)  states  that  the  cases  of  disease 
on  the  dark  sid,e  of  an  extensive  barrack,  at  St.  Petersburg, 
have  been  uniformly,  for  many  years,  in  the  proportion  of 
three  to  one  to  those  on  the  side  exposed  to  a  strong  and  uni- 
form light.  Humboldt  has  also  remarked,  that  among  bipeds, 
the  residents  of  South  America,  who  wear  very  little  clothing, 
thus  allowing  the  cutaneous,  as  well  as  the  orbital  surfaces  to 
receive  a  free  ray  of  light,  enjoyed  immunity  from  various 
diseases  which  prevailed  extensively  among  the  inhabitants 
of  dark  rooms  and  underground  locations ;  and  so  excellent  an 
authority  as  Linnaeus  contends  that  the  constant  exposure  to 
solar  light  is  one  of  the  causes  which  render  a  summer  journey 
through  high  northern  latitudes  so  peculiarly  healthful  and 
invigorating. 

Dr.  Edwards  has  also  remarked,  that  persons  who  live  in 
caves  or  cellars,  or  in  very  dark  or  narrow  streets,  are  apt  to 
30* 


354         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

produce  deformed  children  ;  and  that  men  who  work  in  mines 
are  liable  to  disease  and  deformity. 

Light,  therefore,  is  a  condition  of  vital  activity ;  and  in 
view  only  of  preserving  the  sight  of  animals,  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  that,  while  they  are  in  the  barn,  their  optics  shall 
have  free  access  to  the  sun's  rays. 

If  a  cow  were  in  the  same  condition  as  a  polype,  with  no 
organ  of  vision,  who  shuns  light,  a  dark  bam  might  prove  to 
be  its  earthly  paradise ;  but  as  the  cow  has  special  organs  of 
vision,  evidently  susceptible  to  the  influence  of  light,  and  the 
integrity  of  its  organism  or  a  part  of  the  same,  depending 
entirely  on  the  admission  of  light,  it  is  absolutely  necessary 
that  barns  should  be  constructed  accordingly. 

DIARRHCEA  IN   CALVES. 

Diarrhoea  is  a  very  prevalent  disease  among  calves.  The 
suckling  calf  is  liable  to  be  the  subject  of  this  affection,  when- 
ever the  general  health  of  the  parent  is  impaired.  In  such 
cases  the  mother  is  to  be  treated  instead  of  the  calf;  she,  prob- 
ably, is  the  subject  of  a  deranged  condition  of  the  digestive 
organs,  which  can  easily  be  remedied  by  the  administration  of  a 
few  doses  of  the  following  :  — 

Pulverized  Charcoal, •  •  •  ■» 

Carbonate  of  Soda, |  equal  parts. 

Pulverized  Ginger, ) 

Dose.  —  Two  ounces,  daily,  to  be  incorporated  with  the  food, 
or  it  can  be  given  as  a  drench,  by  adding  a  pint  of  scalded 
milk. 

The  disease  occasionally  occurs  in  consequence  of  weaning 
the  calf  (in  view  of  husbanding  the  cow's  milk),  and  feeding 
the  juvenile  on  improper  food.  This  kind  of  diarrhoea  must 
be  treated  as  follows :  let  the  calf  have  two  ounces  of  phos- 
phate of  lime,  two  drachms  of  carbonate  of  soda,  and  a  quai't 
of  scalded  milk;  mix  the  same,  and  administer  by  means  of  a 
drenching  horn,  or  bottle.  It  may  be  divided  into  "  broken  " 
doses,  or  may  be  given  at  once,  as  a  single  dose. 

If  the  above  remedies  fail  in  arresting  the  diarrhoea,  I  should 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  355 

give  three  drachms  of  tincture  of  matico,  every  four  hours, 
until  the  patient  showed  some  signs  of  improvement. 

SPRAINS,  OR  STRAINS. 

Sprains,  or  strains,  are  generally  occasioned  by  unnatural 
distention  of  parts,  or  rupture  of  cellular  structure,  which  con- 
nects muscles  or  tendons.  They  are  generally  accompanied  by 
heat,  tenderness,  and  lameness.  Working  oxen  are  more  liable 
to  sprain  than  cows,  because,  when  used  in  the  yoke  for  draught, 
they  are  as  liable  to  strain  or  rupture  parts  as  horses,  by  sud- 
den exertions,  or  violent  efforts  of  the  muscles  to  guard  against 
a  sudden  slip  and  fall.  The  slightest  strain  will  sometimes 
occasion  lameness,  because  the  parts  concerned  are  composed 
of  minute  fibres  and  cells,  delicately  organized ;  and  a  portion 
or  the  whole  of  such  minute  tissues  are  easily  injured.  In 
bad  cases  of  strain,  considerable  tumefaction  or  swelling  is 
observed.  This  is  occasioned  by  the  presence  of  serum,  or 
water,  in  the  cellular  tissue  beneath  the  skin.  If  proper 
means  are  adopted,  this  fluid  can  be  taken  up  by  the  absorbent 
vessels,  so  as  to  leave  no  enlargement ;  but  if  the  case  be  badly 
treated,  the  enlargement  becomes  organized  into  a  permanent, 
hard  mass,  which  is  known  to  medical  men  as  induration. 

Treatment  of  Strain. — The  very  best  and  cheapest  remedies 
in  the  early  stages  of  strain  are  rest  and  cold  water.  This 
very  soon  lessens  the  vascular  excitement ;  and,  if  there  is  no 
laceration,  the  animal  will  soon  get  well.  It  will  be  necessary 
to  shower  the  sprained  spot  two  or  three  times  per  day,  until 
the  acute  symptoms  hate  subsided.  Then  a  common  bandage 
may  be  applied.  This  should  be  wet  with  vinegar  occasionally. 
Should  the  strained  part  be  very  painful,  I  would  foment  with 
infusion  of- hops,  —  a  handful  of  hops  to  a  quart  of  boiling 
water,  —  to  be  applied  when  cool.  If  this  does  not  relieve  the 
pain,  let  the  part  be  occasionally  sponged  with  a  small  quantity 
of  sulphuric  ether,  or  chloroform. 


356  THE   NATURE   AND    TREATMENT    OF 

FARCY. 

This  disease  is  very  rare  among  neat  stock,  and  those  cases 
which  have  been  recorded  appear  to  have  taken  place  when 
there  has  been  no  known  communication  with  an  infected 
animal;  consequently,  this  affection  has  sometimes  a  sponta- 
neous origin.  The  animals  thus  affected  were  of  the  lymphatic 
temperament. 

This  disease  first  appears  in  the  form  of  slight  elevations, 
running  in  lines,  called  corded  lymphatics,  known  also  as  "  farcy 
buds."  These  finally  break  and  form  ulcers,  which  discharge 
unhealthy  matter.  From  the  commencement  of  the  disease 
the  animal  is  continually  losing  flesh,  and,  on  moving  about, 
shows  symptoms  of  pain,  indicating  that  the  deep-seated,  as 
well  as  the  superficial  absorbents,  are  affected.  When  this 
dit^ease  arises  spontaneously,  it  is  probably  owing  to  some  mor- 
bid habit  of  body,  occurring  in  an  animal  inheriting  some  pre- 
disposition to  suppuration  of  the  absorbents. 

Treatment.  —  When  the  tumors  acquire  magnitude  and  feel 
soft,  they  should  be  opened  with  a  thumb  lancet ;  then,  after 
sponging  and  cleansing,  wet  them  whh  pyroligneous  acid,  and 
cover  the  exposed  surface  with  powdered  bloodroot.  The  con- 
stitutional treatment,  however,  is  most  important ;  for,  unless 
we  can  counteract  the  morbid  tendency,  and  improve  the  gen- 
eral health,  there  are  very  little  hopes  of  recovery.  The  con- 
stitutional remedies  are  as  follows :  — 

Iodide  of  Potassium,  powdered, ^  ounce. 

Powdered  Sassafras  Bark, Bounces. 

"         Poplar  Bark, 5  ounces. 

"        Ginger  Root, ' 1  ounce. 

Thoroughly  mix  the  above,  and  divide  it  into  twelve  equal 
parts.  Dose,  one  part  every  morning,  in  food  or  gruel.  Every 
night  let  the  patient  have  four  ounces  of  cod-liver  oil.  Should 
the  bowels  become  too  lax,  discontinue  the  oil. 

Let  the  animal  have  whatever  kind  of  food  it  seems  inclined 
to  eat.  There  may,  however,  be  loss  of  appetite.  If  this  be 
the  case,  I  should  bottle  down  a  few  quarts  of  oatmeal  gruel 
as  often  as  necessary,  and  give  a  drachm  of  powdered  golden- 
»€alj  night  and  morning. 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  357 


SPLENIC  APOPLEXY. 


A  past  student  of  mine  informs  me  that  he  lately  attended 
an  ox,  the  property  of  a  gentleman  residing  in  the  town  of 
Palmyra,  Maine.  The  animal  was  suddenly  seized  with  ab- 
dominal pains,  of  a  colicy  character,  in  consequence  of  which 
his  services  were  secured.  On  visiting  the  patient,  he  found 
him  laboring  under  the  following  symptoms :  —  Pulse  quick- 
ened and  wiry ;  the  visible  surfaces  of  the  mouth,  nose,  and 
eyes  were  reddened ;  horns  and  extremities  chilly ;  excrement 
soft,  slimy,  and  slightly  tinged  with  blood.  The  animal  ap- 
peared to  suffer  from  abdominal  weakness,  was  very  unwilling 
to  move,  and  stood  with  its  back  slightly  arched.  He  applied 
external  irritants,  gave  diffusable  stimulants,  and  friction  was 
applied  to  all  parts  of  the  body  ;  but  it  was  of  no  use  ;  the  ex- 
tremities still  continued  cold.  At  the  expiration  of  fourteen 
hours  from  the  period  of  attack,  the  animal  died.  The  autopsy 
revealed  rupture  of  the  spleen  and  a  highly  congested  state  of 
the  bowels. 

I  have  just  had  the  pleasure  of  perusing  an  article  on 
splenic  apoplexy,  published  in  the  Edinhurg  Veterinary  Re- 
view, which  I  think  is  calculated  to  throw  some  light  on  a  sub- 
ject but  little  understood.  The  article  referred  to  reads  as 
follows :  — 

"  Splenic  Apoplexy.  —  This  disease  broke  out  in  the  winter 
of  1857-58,  on  a  farm  characterized  by  its  extreme  richness 
of  soil,  in  the  north  of  Northumberland.  Last  January,  the 
malady  reappeared,  and  did  not  cease  until  twenty-three  head 
of  cattle  had  been  seized. 

"  Splenic  apoplexy  is  a  malady  that  has  hitherto  not  been 
observed  in  the  north  of  Britain,  and  its  occurrence  recently 
is  evidently  to  be  attributed  to  the  special  method  of  farming 
and  feeding  stock  where  it  has  for  the  last  two  years  proved 
so  destructive. 

"The  farm  is  a  peculiarly  dry  and  healthy  one.  About  300 
head  of  cattle  are  annually  fattened  on  it.  One  lot  were  made 
ready  by  Christmas,  and  sold  as  fat  beef  in  Newcastle;  a 


358         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

second  lot  kept  rather  back  until  January,  when  they  were  al- 
lowed an  abundance  of  turnips,  especially  swedes,  meals,  and 
the  best  oat  straw.  The  cattle  afFected  are  three-year-olds ; 
and  it  would  appear  that  those  fed  on  the  Swedish  turnips, 
especially  from  one  field,  have  suffered  most ;  but  some  fed  on 
yellow  or  white  turnips  have  been  affected,  and  we  would  re- 
gard the  meals,  and  perhaps  the  oat  straw,  as  more  likely  to 
have  produced  the  disorder.  According  to  Delafond's  re- 
searches, leguminosae,  or  forage  very  rich  in  nutritive  principles 
and  deficient  in  water,  from  artificial  pastures,  are  frequent 
causes  of  splenic  apoplexy.  The  farmer  in  Northumberland 
suspected  the  artificial  manures  last  year,  and  therefore  dressed 
his  land  chiefly  with  home  manure  ;  but  the  properties  of  the 
last  crop  have  proved  as  deleterious  as  those  of  the  preced- 
ing one. 

"  The  malady  stopped  suddenly,  about  the  middle  of  Feb- 
ruary, and  this  was  probably  due  to  the  cattle  suffering  only 
when  the  system  was  taxed  by  change  from  rather  moderate 
to  very  high  feeding.  It  is  an  interesting  fact,  that,  in 
cows,  the  disorder  only  affects  those  which  are  approaching  the 
period  when  the  secretion  of  milk  is  stopped,  and  when  there 
is  a  tendency  to  lay  on  flesh.  Being  then  liable  to  plethora, 
cows  fed  on  food  capable  of  producing  splenic  apoplexy  die 
from  it.  Change  of  diet  proved  of  no  avail  at  the  farm  above 
referred  to,  and  common  salt  had  been  recommended  as  a  pre- 
ventative. But,  as  Delafond  has  shown,  it  is  not  a  remedy  in 
such  cases, — rather  the  reverse, — and  thus  it  proved  in  the 
case  referred  to.  The  malady  stopped  spontaneously,  and 
the  point  now  to  settle  is  prevention  of  the  disease  during 
future  seasons. 

"  For  the  benefit  of  our  readers,  who  may  not  know  the 
symptoms  of  splenic  apoplexy,  we  may  mention  that  often 
there  are  premonitory  signs — the  animals  apparently  enjoying 
the  best  health  early  in  the  morning  may  be  dead  some  time 
before  noon.  Sometimes  there  are  symptoms  of  excitement ; 
the  eyes  are  prominent  and  the  visible  mucous  membranes 
injected.      Symptoms  of  uneasiness  suddenly  manifest  them- 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  359 

selves,  and  colicy  pains  indicate  abdominal  disorder.  The 
urine  voided  is  high  coiored  and  red,  and  there  may  also  be 
blood  in  the  faeces.  The  back  becomes  arched,  and  the 
animal  fixes  itself,  hanging  on  to  any  thing  by  which  it  may 
be  tied  in  the  stall,  or  pressing  back  into  a  corner  of  the  sta- 
ble or  shed  in  which  it  may  be.  The  pulse  is  quick  and 
hard,  then  feeble  and  small ;  the  breathing  is  accelerated  and 
short,  'the  animal  soon  drops,  and  is  seized  with^  convulsive 
twitchings.  In  addition  to  the  discharge  of  faeces  and  urine 
tinged  with  blood,  there  is  a  red,  frothy  liquid  which  escapes 
from  the  nostrils  ;  the  animal  bellows  and  moans,  and  soon  dies. 

BRONCHOCELE. 

Bronchocele  is  a  disease  known  in  common  parlance  as 
swelling  in  the  throats  of  cattle.  When  it  occurs  among  mem- 
bers of  the  human  family,  it  is  denominated  goitre  ;  yet,  it  is 
my  opinion  that  bronchocele  occurring  among  cattle,  and  goitre 
in  man,  are  very  different  affections.  For  example  :  Broncho- 
cele occurring  in  cattle  is  curable^  and,  so  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  ascertain,  is  confined  to  the  thyroid  glands,  although  in 
a  protracted  state  of  the  malady  the  surrounding  tissues  may 
become  so  involved  as  to  render  the  case  incurable.  Goitre^ 
as  I  understand  it,  is  a  diffuse  tumor  occupying  the  anterior 
part  of  the  neck,  occurring  principally  among  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Alps,  and  considered  incurable.  Medicine  and  ex- 
ternal applications  seem  to  have  little  if  any  effect  on  it,  and  its 
removal  by  operation  is  generally  fatal.  The  following  cases 
are  offered  in  support  of  my  argument  as  to  curability  :  — 

A  couple  of  cows,  the  property  of  Mr.  Humphrey,  of 
Brookline,  Mass.,  were  observed  to  be  the  subjects  of  an  en- 
largement in  the  thyroid  region,  which  gradually  increased  up 
to  the  size  of  a  man's  fist.  At  this  period,  I  was  requested  to 
see  them.  The  animals  were  natives  ;  their  ages  seven  and 
eight ;  in  fair  condition,  and  yielding  the  usual  quantity  of 
milk.     The  only  fault  the  owner  had  to  complain  of,  was,  that 


360         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

their  appetites  were  not  so  good  as  usual,  and  he  merely  con- 
sulted me  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  what  could  be  done 
for  the  thyroid  tumors.  On  making  careful  examination  of 
both  animals,  there  was  very  little  of  abnormal  action  to  be 
perceived,  either  internally  or  externally ;  the  pulse  was  regu- 
lar ;  respirations  normal ;  the  surface  of  the  body  comfortably 
warm  ;  coat,  glossy ;  nothing  unusual  about  the  fasces  nor  urine ; 
and  all  I  cguld  say  about  the  cases  was,  that  they  were  mild 
forms  of  hypertrophy  of  the  thyroid  glands  —  enlargement 
without  change  of  structure.  The  tumor,  in  one  animal,  occu- 
pied the  right  side  of  the  thyroid  region  ;  in  the  other,  it  was 
found  in  the  left ;  both  immovaible,  yet  having  no  morbid  adhe- 
sions to  skin  nor  sub-tissue. 

Treatment  of  the  above  Cases., —  The  owner  being  unwilling 
to  incur  the  expense  of  professional  attention,  and  desiring  to 
treat  them  himself,  under  advice,  I  accordingly  prescribed  as 
follows  :  — 

Each  animal  to  have  daily  ten  grains  of  iodide  of  potassium 
in  half  a  gill  of  water.  The  tumor  to  be  anointed  daily  with  a 
portion  of  the  following :  — 

Simple  Ointment, 2  ounces. 

Iodide  of  Potassium, 2  drachma.     Mix. 

During  a  period  of  seven  days  each  animal  got  seventy  grains 
of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  by  inunction  received  one  di:achm 
each. 

According  to  the  testimony  of  Mr.  Humphrey,  the  remedy 
was  effective ;  for  at  the  end  of  two  weeks  the  tumors  Kad  dis- 
appeared, and  the  animals  were  on  the  high  road  to  health. 

ANALYSES  OF  COWS'  MILK. 

The  following  analyses  of  cows*  milk  was  made  by  a  scientific 
chemist,  for  a  report  lately  made  by  the  Academy  of  Medicine 
in  the  City  of  New  York.  It  would  seem,  by  this  table,  that 
the  variation  in  quality  between  summer  and  winter  milk  is  not 
so  great  as  might  have  been  expected. 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


361 


ANALYSES    OF    COWS'    MILK. 


tr:;   cc   w 
p     c     c     55 


to    00 


^   b 


BY 

POGGAILE. 


Mr.  Suydam'S  cow,  kept  for  use  of  his  femily. 

BY 

DOREMUS. 


H-       08    O 


i1  ^ 

io  ibO_ 


Swill-fed  cows  from  Sixteenth  st.  distillery  stables. 

BY 

DOREMUS. 


fel  s:  s  s  !& 


From  one  of  the  fattest  cows  in  Sixteenth  street 
distillery  stables. 


t  1^ 


From  a  grass-fed  cow  on  a  farm  in  Westchester 
County. 


From    Williamsburg  distillery  stables.      Mixed 
milk  of  four  cows,  milked  while  I  was  waiting, 


From  same  stables,  obtained  from  one  while  on 
his  route,  deliTering  to  his  customers. 


H-l        CO     O     -I 


From  same  stables,  the  mixed  milk  from  several 
lar^e  cooling  cans,  immediately  after  milking 


'>-l       )-•    CO  t-> 

O       O     *-     00    00 


From  same  stables,  obtained  from  a  man  while 
on  his  route,  delivering  to  his  customers. 


From  distillery  stables  39th  st.  and  10th  av.,  from 
the  cooling  cans,  immediately  after  milking 


OS     CO     00    -J 


:&  § 


Country  milk  from  T.  Decker,  milk  dealer  in  E, 
27th  St.,  obtained  while  delivering  to  customers, 


CO      ~i 


CO    ^ 


From  a  sick  cow,  in  the  Williamsburgh  distillery 
stables. 


From  16th  st.  &  10th  av.  distillery  stables,  mixed 
milk  of  four  cows,  milked  while  I  was  waiting. 


— T        M     CO     t-"     bS 

^1  I   o   ^   o   o 


From  same  stables,  obtained  from  a  man  while 
on  his  route,  delivering  to  his  customers. 


e  U.  S  ^  §§ 


From  D.  Baldwin,  a  milk  dealer,  obtained  while 
delivering  to  his  customers.     Country  milk 


t-"    oc 

S  8 


From  J.  Willets  &  Son,  obtained  while  delivering 
to  their  customers.    Country  milk. 


o»  ^  ^  ta 


From  John  T.  Norton.  Farmington,  Ct.,  mixed 
milk  from  six  pure  Alderney  cows.  


Gail  Borden,  mixed  milk  from  a  large  number  of 
cows,  before  condensed.    G.  B. 


2?  ^ 


ft  5    Gail  Borden,  condensed  milk. 


[  Cream  from  John  T.  Norton,  Farmington,  Con- 
necticut. 


§ 


^  I  Cream  from  Husted's  distiUery  stables,  Brooklyn, 
g  I      New  York.  


S  g    Cream  firom  Gail  Borden,  milk  marked  G.  B. 


31 


862 


THE   NATURE   AND   TREATMENT    OP 


ANALYSES    OF  WOMEN'S  MILK,  BY  SAMUEL  R.  PERCY 


From 
BufFerir 
ague 
left  bn 

¥ 

a  lady 
ig  with 
n    the 
a«t. 

i 

Em 

a 

1 

1    ^ 

1 

1 

Cm 

1 

2 

S  ^ 

Cm 

Water, 

896 
104 

918 
82 

920 
80 

892 
108 

927 
73 

Solid  particles, 

SOLID  PARTICLES. 

Butter, 

1000 

1000 

1000 

1000 

1000 

22 

61 

19 

2 

10 

24 

41 

7 

11 

22 

39 

8 

26 

60 

20 

2 

9 
22 
41 

1 

glJJMlp 

Casein, 

Saline  matters      

104 

82 

80 

108 

73 

It  will  be  observed,  by  the  above  tables,  that  the  milk  of  a 
woman  and  that  of  a  cow  do  not  differ  very  essentially. 


THE  EFFECTS  OF  IMPURE  MILK. 

Milk  obtained  from  diseased  animals  operates  unfavorahJy  on 
the  systems  of  those  who  partake  of  it.  *     I  have  an  impression, 

*  Deleterious  Effects  of  Swill-Milk.  —  At  the  late  regular 
meeting  of  tlie  Academy  of  Medicine,  a  report  was  presented  on  be- 
half of  the  Committee  to  whom  had  been  referred  the  matter  of  pre- 
paring a  reply  to  Mayor  Tiemann's  inquiry  as  to  the  effect  on  the  human 
system  of  the  milk  of  swill-fed  cows.  The  report  was  read  by  Dr.  Sam- 
ael  R.  Percy.  Accompanying  it,  was  an  elaborate  statement  of  the  inves- 
tigations in  reference  to  this  subject,  in  which  Dr.  Percy  has  been 
personally  engaged  for  several  months,  and  which  he  has  pursued  with 
great  intelligence  and  assiduity.  This  statement  shows  that  the  condition 
in  which  swill-fed  cows  are  kept,  gives  undeniable  evidence  of  the  pois- 
onous effects  of  their  milk.  Their  stables,  instead  of  giving  forth  the 
healthy  aroma  of  country -fed  cattle,  are  pervaded  by  a  sickening  stench. 
The  cows  themselves  are  the  victims  of  disease  engendered  by  the  food 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  363 

that  the  milk  obtained  from  a  cow  located  in  a  city,  down- 
cellar  location,  is  just  about  as  good  for  the  purposes  of  nutri- 
tion, as  a  dose  of  poison.  TheJatter  may  not  kill  the  imbiber 
outright ;  just  so  of  diseased  milk  ;  it  reverses  the  order  of 
physiology,  and  places  the  subject  in  the  vicinity  of  "  death's 
door." 

I  am  not  prepared,  at  the  present  moment,  to  show  the  path- 
ological effects  of  diseased  milk  on  the  system  of  man.  Yet 
the  following  article,  selected  from  The  Boston  Medical  and 
Surgical  Journal^  seems  apropos  :  — 

"  Dr.  Parks  has  had  an  opportunity  of  comparing  two  spec- 
imens of  human  milk  under  the  microscope.  An  apparently 
healthy  American  mother  gave  up  nursing  her  child,  for  the 
double  reason  of  an  inflammation  of  the  breast,  and  because 
the  infant  did  not  thrive  upon  her  milk.  A  wet  nurse  whose 
milk  was  of  the  same  age  was  obtained,  when  immediately  the 
child  began  to  improve,  and  soon  became  plump  and  hearty. 
After  a  few  weeks,  the  mammary  abscess  having  departed,  the 
milk  of  the  mother  and  that  of  the  nurse  were  examined  under  a 

on  which  they  live.  Eighteen  pounds  of  corn  and  a  little  straw,  given 
daily,  is  abundant  to  keep  a  cow  in  good  flesh.  But  to  obtain  the  same 
quantity  of  nutritive  aliment  from  swill,  130  gallons  of  it  must  be  taken 
daily  ;  that  is,  40  gallons  to  supply  the  nitrogen  ;  30,  to  supply  the  oleag- 
inous matter ;  and  60,  to  supply  the  hydro-carbonate.  In  taking  so  much 
swill,  a  cow  will  consume  daily  one  quart  of  vinegar.  In  the  course  of 
the  doctor's  experiments,  he  found  that  this  milk  gave  a  strong  acid  reac- 
tion ;  and,  from  a  series  of  results  derived  from  personal  observation,  he 
had  discovered  that  the  milk  of  unhealthy  women,  living  in  damp  cellars 
and  eating  bad  food,  or  habitually  intemperate,  exhibited  the  same  char- 
acteristic. Having  thus  established,  prima  fade,  his  case  against  swill- 
milk,  the  Dr.  proceeded  to  furnish  instances  in  which  young  children,  bom 
of  healthy  parents  and  healthy  when  born,  or  brought  in  a  healthy  con- 
dition from  the  country  to  the  city,  had  incurred  disease  by  the  use  of 
swill-milk,  and  recovered  when  it  was  withheld  from  them.  He  exhibited 
numerous  analyses  of  different  kinds  of  milk,  and  various  microscopic 
drawings  of  swill-milk,  showing,  in  every  case,  conferves  and  sporads. 
These  were  examined  with  much  interest.  The  Academy  resolved  to 
send  an  engrossed  copy  to  Mayor  Tiemann,  and  return  a  vote  of  thanks 
to  the  Committee,  who  were  then  discharged.  — New  York  Times. 


364  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

microscope.  No  difference  was  perceptible  in  the  proportion 
of  milk  globules  in  the  two  specimens ;  but  the  globules  in  the 
nurse's  milk  were  some  two  or  riiree  times  the  size  of  those  of 
the  mother's.  This  corresponds  to  what  some  observers  have 
stated  with  regard  to  human  milk  —  that  its  nutritive  proper- 
ties depend  as  well  upon  the  size,  as  upon  the  number,  of  its 
corpuscles." 

THE  COMPOSITION  OF  MILK  AT  VARIOUS  TIMES  OF 
THE  DAY. 

"  Professor  Boedeker  has  analyzed  the  milk  of  a  healthy  cow, 
at  various  times  of  the  day,  with  the  view  of  determining  the 
changes  in  the  relative  amount  of  its  constituents.  He  found 
that  the  solids  of  the  evening's  milk  (13  per  cent)  exceeded 
those  of  the  morning's  milk  (10  per  cent)  ;  while  the  water 
contained  in  the  fluid  was  diminished  from  89  per  cent  to  86 
per  cent.  The  fatty  matters  gradually  increase  as  the  day 
progresses.  In  the  morning,  they  amount  to  2.17  per  cent,  at 
noon  to  2.63  per  cent,  and  in  the  evening  to  5.42  per  cent. 
This  fact  is  important  in  a  practical  point  of  view ;  for  while 
16  ounces  of  morning's  milk  will  yield  nearly  half  an  ounce 
of  butter,  about  double  this  quantity  can  be  obtained  from  the 
evening's  milk.  The  casein  is  also  increased  in  the  evening's 
milk,  from  2.24  to  2.70  per  cent ;  but  the  albumen  is  dimin- 
ished from  0.44  per  cent  to  0.31  per  cent.  Sugar  is  least 
abundant  at  midnight  (4.19  per  cent),  and  most  plenty  at  noon 
(4.72  per  cent).  The  percentage  of  the  salts  undergoes  al- 
most no  change  at  any  time  of  the  day."  —  Henle's  Zeitschr.fur 
Mationelle  Medicin.  —  Edinburgh  Medical  Journal. 

MILK  WHICH  DOES  NOT  YIELD  BUTTER,  AND  THE 
REMEDY. 

The  author's  attention  was  lately  called  to  a  couple  of  native 
cows,  aged  five  and  six  years,  the  property  of  Mr.  H.,  West 
Roxbury.  The  animals  appeared  to  be  in  the  very  best  con- 
dition ;  had  good  appetites,  and  remasticated  their  food ;  in 
fact,  I  could   not  perceive  any  thing  about  the  animals  that 


THE     DISEASES    OP    CATTLE.  365 

would  indicate  the  least  deviation  from  health  ;  and  the  only 
trouble  was,  the  milk  did  not  yield  butter.  I  ordered  a  small 
quantity  of  milk  to  be  drawn  from  each  cow,  and,  on  inspect- 
ing it,  it  appeared  to  have  a  light  blue  tinge,  resembling 
milk  when  artificially  watered.  On  letting  it  stand  for  a  short 
time,  there  appeared  to  be  a  deficiency  of  the  oleaginous  or 
butter-making  qualities.  The  only  way  I  could  account  for 
this  peculiar  condition  of  the  milk  was,  that  it  arose  in  con- 
sequence of  faulty  alimentation.  I  therefore  prescribed  a 
change  of  diet,  from  hay,  meal,  and  turnips,  to  grass  and  oat- 
meal. Next  day,  I  furnished  the  owner  a  package  of  medicine 
composed  of  the  following  agents :  — 

Powdered  Poplar  Bark, 6  ounces. 

"         Phosphate  of  Lime 6  ounces. 

"         Ginger, 2  ounces.    Mix. 

A  tablespoonful  of  this  mixture  was  given  to  each  cow  in 
the  food.  By  the  time  it  was  all  used,  there  was  no  farther 
trouble.  It  is  probable  that  these  animals  might  have  re- 
covered merely  through  change  of  diet,  without  any  medicine ; 
yet  as  medicine  of  the  above  kind  is  always  favorable  to  health, 
I  do  not  hesitate  to  recommend  it. 

I  find  in  the  London  Veterinarian  a  brief  translation  of  a 
veiy  singular  occurrence,  which  may,  perhaps,  prove  of  some 
value  to  some  of  my  readers. 

"  A  letter  from  a  farmer  states  that  he  had  fourteen  cows  in 
full  milk,  from  which  he  obtained  very  little  butter,  and  that 
of  a  bad  quality.  Guided  by  the  statements  of  M.  Deneu- 
bourg,  which  had  appeared  in  the  Annates  Veterinaires,  he 
had  separately  tested  the  milk  of  his  cows,  and  found  that  the 
bad  quality  of  it  was  owing  to  one  cow  only,  and  that  the  milk 
of  the  others  yielded  good  and  abundant  butter.  It  was  there- 
fore clearly  established  that  the  loss  he  had  so  long  sustained 
was  to  be  atti-ibuted  to  this  cow  only.  He  at  once  adminis- 
tered the  remedy  recommended  by  M.  Deneubourg,  which 
effected  a  speedy  cure." 
31* 


366         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

SPAYING  cows. 

Before  I  commence  to  point  out  the  method  of  spaying, 
it  may  be  proper  to  allude  briefly  to  the  female  organs  of 
generation. 

Uterus^  <yr  Womb.  —  This  is  a  hollow,  musculo-membranous 
organ,  united  to  the  front  part  of  the  vagina,  and  terminating 
beneath  the  anus,  in  what  is  known  as  the  lips  of  the  puden- 
dum. The  womb  is  destined  for  the  reception  of  the  foetus. 
It  is  situated  within  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis,  between  the  re- 
gion of  the  bladder  and  that  of  the  rectum,  and  is  an  organ 
capable  of  extraordinary  distention. 

The  womb  is  divided  into  body,  horns,  neck,  and  mouth.  The 
body  is  the  oblong,  cylindrical  part,  growing  out  of  the  front 
part  of  the  vagina,  in  the  centre  of  which  it  terrninates,  in- 
ternally, by  the  mouth  of  the  womb,  termed  by  physicians  the  os 
uteri.  The  front  part  of  the  body  of  the  womb,  by  branching 
into  two  divisions,  forms  the  horns  ;  they  diverge  laterally  — 
sideways — towards  the  front  part  of  the  pelvis,  and  finally 
terminate  in  oval  extremities,  fallopian  tubes,  and  lastly,  the 
testes,  or  ovaries.  The  part  termed  the  neck  protrudes  back- 
ward into  the  vagina,  and  is  only  perceptible  when  the  parts 
are  unimpregnated. 

The  uterus  and  ovaries  are  partly  covered,  and  confined  to 
the  sides  of  the  pelvis,  by  a  portion  of  the  peritoneum,  called 
broad  or  lateral  ligaments,  which  also  enclose  within  its  folds 
the  fallopian  tubes. 

The  ovaries  are  two  soft  bodies,  about  the  size  of  a  walnut, 
and  resembling  somewhat  in  form  the  testicles  of  the  male. 
They  are  filled  with  little  vesicles,  or  bladders,  which  can  be 
seen  through  the  surface  texture,  containing  a  small  quantity 
of  a  whitish  yellow  fluid.  These  yellow  bodies,  or  spots,  termed 
corpora  lutea,  are  supposed  to  contain  the  ova.  The  cica- 
trices, or  marks  left  in  the  region  where  the  vesicles  have  burst, 
denote  the  number  of  times  the  animal  has  been  impregnated. 
The  contents  of  the  ovarian  vesicles,  frpm  orte  or  both  testicles, 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  307 

are  discharged  into  the  uterus,  through  the  fallopian  tubes,  and 
the  same  is  vitalized  by  the  male  semen  in  the  act  of  copula- 
tion. So  it  will  be  perceived  that  the  uterus  has  two  inlets, 
coming  from  the  ovaries,  and  one  outlet,  which  is  the  lips  of 
the  vagina. 

The  arteries  which  supply  the  uterine  organs  with  blood,  are 
named  vaginal,  uterine,  and  spermatic.  The  vaginal  is  derived 
from  the  internal  iliac ;  the  uterine,  from  the  external  iliac ; 
and  the  spermatic  comes  directly  from  the  great  aorta. 

This  brief  description  of  the  form,  function,  and  location 
of  the  uterine  organs,  may  possibly  .prove  of  some  value  to  the 
husbandmen  of  this  country,  who  are  not  expected  to  be  posted 
on  the  subject,  and  cannot  spare  the  time  to  familiarize  them- 
selves with  the  technicalities  of  the  schools,  yet  have  intel- 
ligence enough  to  comprehend  plain  matters  of  fact. 

On  the  Selection  of  Animals  for  Spaying.  —  If  the  animal 
be  intended  for  milking  purposes,  a  good  milker  must  be  se- 
lected, for  the  operation  will  not  transform  a  poor  milker  into 
a  good  one.  She  must  necessarily  be  in  possession  of  those 
constitutional  peculiarities  which  have  been  observed  to  prevail 
in  animals  renowned  as  first-class  milkers.  The  operation  will, 
without  doubt,  improve  the  quality  of  the  milk,  yet  may  not, 
under  all  circumstances,  increase  the  quantity,  although  the 
French  dairymen  contend  that  "  the  cow  will  be  found  to  give 
as  much  milk  after  eighteen  months  as  immediately  after  the 
operation;  and  there  was  found,  in  quantity,  in  favor  of  the 
spayed  cows,  a  great  difference."  About  three  years  ago,  I 
spayed  a  cow,  the  property  of  a  gentleman  residing  in  South- 
borb.  She  continued  during  this  period  to  yield  her  usual 
quantity  of  milk,  yet  gradually  accumulated  fat,  so  that  she 
was  known  in  the  neighborhood  as  the  "/a<  cow"  When  in 
this  condition,  the  daily  yield  of  milk  gradually  decreased, 
and  the  owner  at  last  sold  her  to  the  butcher.  I  learned  from 
parties  who  bought  the  meat,  that  it  was  of  superior  quality 
even  to  that  of  an  ox  or  steer,  and  commanded  a  higher  price. 
Among  other  animals  that  I  have  spayed,  several  have  run  to 
fat,  as  the  saying  is,  and  at  the  end  of  from  eighteen  months 


3G8         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

to  three  years,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  butcher  as  first  rate 
beef. 

I  am,  therefore,  inclined  to  think  that  if  animals  are  pre- 
disposed to  fatten  easily,  they  will  not  remain  uniform  milkers 
beyond  the  above  period;  yet,  from  a  report  made  by  the 
Rheims  Academy,  I  learn  that  this  liability  to  fatten  was  not 
observed  in  the  environs  of  Paris,  where,  in  some  milking  es- 
tablishments, one  hundred  and  fifty  cows  are  kept,  all  spayed 
except  fifteen  or  twenty.  It  may  happen,  however,  that  iii 
consequence  of  their  not  being  permitted  to  go  to  pasture,  and 
their  artificial  food,  not  of  the  best  quality,  and  perhaps  scanty, 
they  do  not  have  enough  adipose  matter  to  spare  and  store 
away  in  the  fat-cells,  as  is  the  case  with  stall-fed  animals  in 
private  establishments,  where  only  one  or  two  are  kept. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  securing  a  permanent  milker,  I  should 
select  a  cow  of  compact  muscular  organization  (native  breed), 
having  little,  if  any,  predisposition  to  accumulate  fat;  she 
must  be  a  good  milker,  and  the  mother  of  at  least  three  calves. 
The  best  period  for  spaying  is  in  the  spring,  when  the  unim- 
pregnated  animal  is  in  her  full  flow  of  milk. 

If  the  object  of  spaying  be  to  furnish  the  market  with  fat, 
lender,  juicy  meat,  then  I  should  select  animals,  barren  or 
otherwise,  that  keep  in  good  condition  on  a  small  quantity  of 
food.  The  operation  may  be  performed  at  any  period,  from 
the  age  of  three  months  to  nine  or  more  years. 

3fode  of  Operation.  —  The  principal  authority  on  the  mo- 
das  operandi  of  spaying  is  M.  Morin,  a  celebrated  French 
veterinary  surgeon.  I  am  not  in  the  habit  of  performing  the 
operation  according  to  his  directions,  yet  the  reader  may  desire 
to  know  how  it  has  been  performed  in  a  country  where  the 
results  have  been  so  remarkably  successful.  Therefore  I  intro- 
duce the  following  quotations  :  — 

Morin* s  Method  of  Spaying.  —  "  Having  covered  the  head 
of  the  cow  to  be  operated  on,  we  place  her  against  a  wall  pro- 
vided with  five  rings,  firmly  fastened  and  placed  as  follows : 
the  first  corresponds  to  the  top  of  the  withers,  the  second  to  the 
lower  anterior  part  of  the  breast ;  the  third  is  placed  a  little 


THE   DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  369 

distance  from  the  angle  of  the  shoulder ;  the  fourth  is  opposite 
to  the  anterior  and  superior  part  of  the  lower  region,  and  the 
fifth,  which  is  behind,  answers  to  the  under  part  of  the  but- 
tocks. We  place  a  strong  assistant  between  the  wall  and  the 
head  of  the  animal,  who  firmly  holds  the  horn  in  the  left  hand, 
and  with  his  right  the  muzzle,  which  he  elevates  a  little.  This 
done,  we  pass  through  and  fasten  the  end  of  a  long,  strong, 
platted  cord  in  the  ring,  to  the  lower  part  of  the  breast ;  we 
bring  the  free  end  of  the  cord  along  the  left  flank,  and  pass  it 
through  the  ring  which  is  below  and  in  front  of  the  withers ; 
we  bring  it  down  along  the  breast,  behind  the  shoulders  and 
the  angle  of  the  fore  leg,  to  pass  it  through  the  third  ring ; 
from  there  we  pass  it  through  the  ring  which  is  at  the  top  of 
the  back ;  then  it  must  be  passed  around  against  the  outer 
angle  of  the  left  hip,  and  we  fasten  it,  after  having  drawn  it 
tightly  to  the  posterior  ring,  by  a  simple  bow  knot. 

"  The  cow  being  firmly  fixed  to  the  wall,  we  place  a  cord, 
fastened  by  a  slip-noose,  around  the  hocks,  to  keep  them  to- 
gether in  such  a  manner  that  the  animal  cannot  kick  the 
operator.  The  free  end  of  the  cord,  and  the  tail,  are  held  by 
an  assistant. 

"  The  cow,  thus  secured,  cannot,  during  the  operation,  move 
forward  nor  lie  down  ;  and  the  veterinary  surgeon  has  all  the 
ease  desirable,  and  is  protected  from  accident. 

"  M.  Leorant  advises  that  an  assistant  should  hold  a  plank 
or  bar  of  wood  obliquely  under  the  teats  and  before  its  limbs, 
to  ward  off*  the  kicks ;  but  this  method  is  not  always  without 
danger,  both  to  the  operator  and  the  animal,  because,  at  the 
commencement, —  that  is,  when  the  surgeon  makes  the  incision 
through  the  hide  and  the  muscles,  —  the  cow  makes  such  sudden 
movements,  and  tries  so  frequently  to  strike  with  its  left  hind 
foot,  that  it  may  happen  that,  upon  every  movement,  the  plank 
or  the  bar  may  be  struck  against  the  operator's  legs. 

"  On  the  other  hand,  although  the  defence  may  be  firmly 
held  by  the  assistant,  yet  it  may  happen  that,  in  spite  of  his 
exertions,  he  sometimes  may  be  thrown  against  the  operator, 


370         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

by  the  movements  she  may  attempt,  and  there  may  be  an  un- 
controllable displacement  of  the  plank  or  bar ;  and  then  it  may 
happen  that  she  becomes  wounded,  and  at  the  same  time  pre- 
vents the  operation  ;  while,  by  the  mode  we  point  out,  there  is 
no  fear  of  accident,  either  to  the  operator  or  the  beast. 

"  In  case  of  the  want  of  well  provided  rings,  we  may  use  a 
strong  palisade,  a  solid  fence,  or  two  trees  at  suitable  distances 
apart.  Across,  we  fix  two  strong  boards  of  wood,  separated 
from  each  other,  according  to  the  size  of  the  cow. 

"  There  is  another  means  of  confining  them  that  we  have 
employed  for  some  time  past,  where  the  cows  were  very  strong 
and  irritable,  more  simple  than  the  preceding,  less  fatiguing  to 
the  animal,  less  troublesome  to  the  operator,  and  which  answers 
perfectly.     It  consists  — 

"  First.  In  leaving  the  cow  almost  free,  covering  her  eyes, 
holding  her  head  by  two  strong  assistants,  one  of  whom  seizes 
the  nose  with  his  hand,  and  strongly  pinches  the  nostrils  when- 
ever the  animal  makes  any  strong  movement  during  the  oper- 
ation. 

"  Second.  In  causing  another  assistant  to  hold  the  two  hind 
legs,  kept  together  by  means  of  a  cord  passed  above  and  be- 
neath the  hocks.  This  assistant  also  holds  the  tail,  and  pulls 
it  whenever  the  animal  seeks  to  change  its  place. 

"  The  cow  being  conveniently  disposed  of,  and  the  instru- 
ments and  appliances  (such  as  curved  scissors,  upon  a  table,  a 
convex-edged  bistoury,  a  straight  one,  and  one  buttoned  at  the 
point,  suture-needle  filled  with  double  thread  of  desired  length, 
pledgets  of  lint  of  appropriate  size  and  length,  a  mass  of  tow 
in  pledgets,  being  collected  in  a  shallow  basket  held  by  an 
assistant),  we  place  ourselves  opposite  to  the  left  flank,  our 
back  turned  a  little  towards  the  head  of  the  animal ;  we  cut 
off  the  hair  which  covers  the  hide  in  the  middle  of  the  flanks, 
at  an  equal  distance  between  the  back  and  hip,  for  the  space 
of  thirteen  or  fourteen  centimetres  in  circumference.  This 
done,  we  take  the  convex  bistoury,  and  place  it  open  between 
our  teeth,  the  edge  out,  the  point  to  the  left ;  then,  with  both 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  371 

hands,  we  seize  the  hide  in  the  middle  of  the  flank,  and  form 
of  it  a  wrinkle  of  the  requisite  elevation,  and  running  length- 
wise of  the  body. 

"  We  then  direct  an  assistant  to  seize,  with  his  right  hand, 
the  right  side  of  this  wrinkle.  We  then  take  the  bistoury,  and 
cut  the  wrinkle  at  one  stroke  through  the  middle.  The  wrinkle 
having  been  suffered  to  go  down,  a  separation  of  the  hide  is 
presented  of  sufficient  length  to  enable  us  to  introduce  the 
hand.  Thereupon  we  separate  the  edges  of  the  hide  with  the 
thumb  and  fore  finger  of  the  left  hand,  and,  in  like  manner,  we 
cut  through  the  abdominal  muscles,  the  iliac  (rather  obliquely) 
and  the  lumbar  (cross),  for  a  distance  of  a  centimetre  from  the 
lower  extremity  of  the  incision  made  in  the  hide.  This  done, 
armed  with  the  straight  bistoury,  we  make  a  puncture  of  the 
peritoneum,  at  the  upper  extremity  of  the  wound ;  we  then 
introduce  the  buttoned  bistoury,  and  move  it  obliquely  from 
above  to  the  lower  part,  up  to  the  termination  of  the  incision 
made  in  the  abdominal  muscles.  The  flank  being  opened,  we 
introduce  the  right  hand  into  the  abdomen,  and  direct  it  along 
the  right  side  of  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis,  behind  the  paunch 
and  underneath  the  rectum,  where  we  find  the  horns  of  the 
uterus.  After  we  have  ascertained  the  position  of  these  vis- 
cera, we  search  for  the  ovaries,  which  are  at  the  extremity  of 
the  cornua,  or  horns  (fallopian  tubes),  and  when  we  have  found 
them,  we  seize  them  between  the  thumb  and  fore  finger,  detach 
them  completely  from  the  ligaments  that  keep  them  in  their 
place,  pull  lightly,  separating  the  cord  and  the  vessels  (uterine 
or  fallopian  tubes)  at  their  place  of  union  with  the  ovarium, 
by  means  of  the  nails  of  the  thumb  and  fore  finger,  which  pre- 
sents itself  at  the  point  of  touch ;  in  fact,  we  break  the  cord, 
and  bring  away  the  ovarium. 

"  We  then  introduce  the  hand  again  in  the  abdominal  cavity, 
and  proceed  in  the  same  manner  to  extract  the  other  ovarium. 

"  This  operation  terminated,  by  the  assistance  of  a  needle 
we  place  a  suture  of  three  or  four  double  threads,  waxed, 
at  an  equal  distance,  and  at  two  centimetres  or  a  little  less  from 
the  lips  of  the  wound ;  passing  it  through  the  divided  tissues 


372         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

we  move  from  the  left  hand  with  the  piece  of  thread ;  having 
reached  that  point,  we  fasten  with  a  double  knot.  We  place 
the  seam  in  the  intervals  of  the  thread  from  the  right,  and,  as 
we  approach  the  lips  of  the  wound,  we  fasten  by  a  simple  knot, 
being  careful  not  to  close  too  tightly  the  lower  part  of  the  seam, 
so  that  the  suppuration,  which  may  be  established  in  the  wound, 
may  be  able  to  escape. 

"  The  operation  effected,  we  cover  up  the  wound  with  a 
pledget  of  lint,  kept  in  its  place  by  three  or  four  threads  passed 
through  the  stitches,  and  all  is  completed. 

"  It  happens,  sometimes,  that  in  cutting  the  muscles  of  which 
we  have  before  spoken,  we  cut  one  or  two  of  the  arteries, 
which  bleed  so  much  that  there  is  necessity  for  a  ligature  before 
opening  the  peritoneal  sac;  because,  if  this  precaution  be 
omitted,  blood  will  escape  into  the  abdomen,  and  may  occasion 
the  most  serious  consequences." 

Improved  Method  of  Spaying.  —  I  cast  the  cow,  by  means 
of  the  hobbles  (see  cut  of  instruments),  on  her  right  side.  I 
then  apply  to  the  nostrils  a  sponge,  saturated  with  concentrated 
sulphuric  ether.  After  having  rendered  the  animal  completely 
unconscious,  I  slacken  the  casting  rope,  so  as  to  free  the 
limbs,  and  prevent  any  pressure  on  the  walls  of  the  abdomen. 
By  so  doing,  I  secure  room  enough  to  introduce  a  hand  and 
arm,  for  the  purpose  of  searching  for  the  ovaries. 

The  first  stage  of  the  operation  consists  in  pinching  up  a 
fold  of  the  skin  on  the  left  side,  midway  between  the  prominent 
bone  of  the  haunch,  or  pelvis,  and  the  last,  or  posterior  rib, 
about  four  inches  below  the  transverse  processes  of  the  lum- 
bar (back)  vertebras.  (See  cut  preceding  article  "  Gut-tie.'') 
Having  divided  the  integuments,  to  the  extent  of  about  five  or 
six  inches,  I  make  a  similar  incision  through  the  abdominal 
muscles,  until  the  peritoneum  (lining  membrane  of  the  abdom- 
inal cavity)  is  exposed.  This  membrane  is  then  punctured  by 
means  of  a  beak-pointed  bistoury,  into  which  puncture  i  insin- 
uate a  knife  having  a  probe  point,  and  then  divide  the  perito- 
neum to  the  extent  of  the  external  incision. 

The   second  stage   of    the   operation   commences   with   the 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  373 

introduction  of  the  operator's  right  arm,  he  kneeling  down  in 
close  contact  with  the  cow's  back.  The  hand  is  then  passed 
within  the  brim  or  cavity  of  the  pelvis.  Having  found  the  deep- 
seated  or  right  ovary,  it  must  be  removed  by  laceration.  I 
find  that  the  best  and  most  expeditious  way  is,  to  slip  the  other 
hand  into  the  abdominal  cavity ;  then  with  the  right  I  seize  the 
broad  ligament  at  the  base  of  the  ovary ;  my  left  then  clasps 
the  ovary,  and  in  this  way,  by  using  trifling  force,  the  ovary  is 
detached  or  torn  away.  The  left  ovary  is  then  to  be  sought 
for,  and  an  assistant  depresses  the  edges  of  the  incision.  At  the 
same  time  the  operator,  having  a  firm  hold  on  the  ovary,  brings 
it  into  view,  so  that  it  can  be  removed  by  means  of  a  pair 
of  blunt-pointed  scissors. 

The  third  stage  of  the  operation  is  the  process  of  uniting 
the  abdominal  muscles,  by  means  of  stitches  or  sutures.  A 
curved  needle,  armed  with  four  or  five  threads  of  shoemaker's 
twine,  well  beeswaxed,  is  to  be  passed  through  the  abdominal 
muscles,  without  penetrating  the  peritoneum  (lining  membrane 
of  the  abdominal  cavity),  at  interrupted  distances  of  one  inch, 
more  or  less.  Each  suture  is  to  be  securely  tied ;  one  end  of 
the  same  is  to  be  cut  close  to  the  knot,  the  other  is  left  long 
enough  to  protrude  through  the  integumental  incision.  The 
skin,  or  integument,  is  then  to  be  closed  by  means  of  ligature 
or  metallic  wire,  leaving  a  small  orifice  at  the  inferior  or  lower 
region  of  the  external  incision,  for  the  escape  of  morbid  mat- 
ter. This  completes  the  operation.  In  the  course  of  a  week 
or  ten  days  the  deep-seated  ligatures  may  be  pulled  away,  and 
when  the  integument  is  well  united,  the  external  stitches  may 
also  be  removed.  The  wound  is  healed  by  nature,  and  scarcely, 
if  ever,  requires  any  sort  of  dressing. 

Since  writing  the  preceding,  I  have  received  the  two  follow- 
ing letters :  — 

"  Newton  Centre,  June^  1859. 

Dr.   Dadd.      Dear    Sir:  —  In    reply    to    your  inquiry 
respecting  my  cow,  I  would  remark  that  this  is  the  third  sum- 
mer since  you  performed  the  operation  of  spaying ;  and  she 
32 


374         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

has  continued  to  give  milk  ever  since,  varying  from  seven  to 
sixteen  quarts  per  day,  according  to  the  season.  At  the  pres- 
ent time  she  averages  about  ten  quarts  per  day.  The  quality 
of  the  milk  is  superior,  and  peculiarly  adapted  as  a  diet  for 
young  children.  Several  cases  have  occurred  under  my  own  ob- 
servation, where  children  accustomed  to  use  common  cow's  milk, 
and  seeming  to  be  suffering  from  some  unknown  cause,  have 
improved  immediately  on  the  use  of  the  milk  from  the  spayed 
cow.  This  fact  being  established,  a  good  reason  is  given  why 
every  family  having  children,  and  keeping  cows,  should  have 
the  operation  performed  upon  one  of  them. 

"  My  cow  begins  to  increase  in  flesh,  and  I  presume  the 
quantity  of  milk  will  decrease  proportionately.  But  I  see  no 
reason  why  she  should  not  continue  to  give  milk  a  year  or  two 
longer,  at  the  end  of  which  time  she  will  be  in  a  superior  con- 
dition for  beef,  and  as  such  will  command  the  highest  market 
price.  "  Yours  truly,  J ." 

A  gentleman  of  Brookline,  Mass.,  writes  me  as  follows :  — 

"  Boston,  June  ^th,  1859. 

"Dr.  Dadd  :  —  My  native  cow,  "  Bessie,"  upon  which  you 
performed  the  operation  of  spaying  in  June  last,  just  one  year 
since,  has  produced  since  that  time  an  uninterrupted  flow  of 
milk,  of  the  finest  flavor  and  richest  quality,  from  nine  to  fif- 
teen quarts  daily,  according  to  the  season  of  the  year  and  the 
quality  of  the  food  given  her ;  and,  strange  to  say,  my  fear 
that  she  would  gradually  but  certainly  grow  fat,  and  her  milk 
proportionately  decrease,  has  not  been  realized,  as  she  is  now 
leaner  than  when  the  operation  was  performed,  notwithstand- 
ing that  she  has  been  fed  in  the  most  liberal  manner. 

"  Where  families  have  young  children,  and  keep  but  one 
cow,  I  consider  it  a  duty  they  owe  to  their  children  to  have 
her  spayed  ;  as  such  milk,  from  the  nature  of  things,  must  be 
more  nutritious.  As  far  as  one  year's  experience  goes,  I 
should  say  it  is  very  desirable  for  any  family  keeping  but  one 
cow,  to  keep  her  in  this  condition. 

«  Yours,  etc.,  W ." 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  375 

HAIR   BALLS. 

In  consequence  of  the  propensity  which  some  animals  have 
of  licking  their  own  bodies,  or  those  of  their  associates,  they 
manage  to  swallow  large  quantities  of  hair,  which,  being  indi- 
gestible, accumulates  in  a  compartment  of  the  stomach  in  the 
form  of  a  dense  ball,  which  is  occasionally  regurgitated.  I 
know  of  no  remedy  calculated  to  obviate  the  diflBculty,  except 
those  agents  which  preserve  the  tone  of  the  stomach,  bitters 
and  alkalies ;  for  the  creature  which  prefers  to  swallow  hair, 
in  preference  to  the  ordinary  agents  known  as  food,  is  evidently 
the  subject  of  a  morbid  appetite,  and  prevention  in  such  cases 
is  the  better  part  of  cure.  Many  valuable  animals  are  lost  in 
consequence  of  these  hair-ball  accumulations. 

I  am  informed  that  in  the  city  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  a 
"singular  mortality  among  the  city  cows  running  upon  the 
Common,  has  prevailed  in  that  city  in  the  early  part  of  this 
winter,  the  cause  of  which  has  been  pretty  satisfactorily  traced 
to  their  eating  hair  that  remained  in  the  grass  where  the  hogs* 
hair  from  the  slaughter-houses  had  been  spread,  to  be  washed 
by  rains  and  dried  in  the  sun.  The  effect  upon  the  earth,  after 
the  hair  was  removed,  was  to  fertilize  it,  and  cause  the  grass  to 
grow  luxuriantly,  which  attracted  cattle ;  and,  while  cropping 
the  grass,  they  took  in  considerable  quantities  of  fine  hair,  the 
natural  tendency  of  which  is  to  become  felted  together  and 
massed  into  one  or  more  hard  balls,  which  were,  in  the  days 
of  New  England  witchcraft,  called  "  witch  balls,"  and  not  a  few 
people  at  this  day  believe  that  such  is  their  origin.  These 
balls  sometimes  accumulate  material  until  they  are  bigger  than 
ordinary  sized  goose  eggs.  It  is  not  surprising  that  death  en- 
sues from  the  irritation  of  such  an  indigestible  mass  in  the 
stomach  of  an  ox  or  cow,  and  it  is  also  not  surprising  that 
many  deaths  of  cattle  cannot  be  accounted  for  by  their  owners. 
But  the  certainty  that  such  causes  do  produce  death,  should 
act  as  a  caution  to  cattle  owners.  Some  years  ago,  the  same 
cause  existing  at  Louisville  killed  a  number  of  cows  at 
Terre   Haute,   Indiana,  and,  upon  opening   the   stomachs,  it 


376         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

was  found  that  not  only  one  or  two  balls  had  formed,  but  a 
mass  of  them,  that  nearly  filled  the  whole  cavity  of  the 
stomach." 

EFFECTS  OF  SALT  ON  ANIMALS. 

The  experience  of  the  husbandmen  of  this  and  other  coun- 
tries, is,  that  no  animal  can  live  without  salt,  and  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Celestial  Empire  are  of  the  same  opinion  in  regard  to 
man.  They  being  more  experienced  than  we  in  this  matter, 
have  demonstrated,  beyond  the  possibility  of  a  doubt,  that  to 
deprive  a  man  of  this  necessary  condiment,  for  any  great  length 
of  time,  is  equivalent  to  a  sentence  of  death.  Hence,  in  the 
Chinese  Empire,  many  persons  convicted  as  felons  are  doomed 
tcr  a  deprivation  of  salt,  and  it  has  been  observed  that  such 
unfortunates  are  finally  so  infested  with  intestinal  parasites, 
that  they  succumb  to  the  most  horrible  pf  all  deaths  —  they 
die  by  inches. 

A  short  time  ago,  a  contributor  to  the  "  Water  Cure  Jour- 
nal "  concocted  a  readable,  yet  one  sided,  argument  in  view  of 
demonstrating  the  poisonous  effects  of  salt.  He  pitches  into 
the  time-honored  custom  of  salting  food,  after  the  following 
fashion :  — 

"  But,  says  one,  salt  is  good  for  cattle.  Let  us  see.  Sup- 
pose that  a  cow  that  has  never  taken  any  poison  should  have 
salt  mixed  with  her  food.  Her  system,  never  having  been  in- 
jured by  poison,  will  be  keenly  alive  to  so  destructive  a  poison 
as  salt,  and  her  vital  powers  will  be  vigorously  aroused  to  expel 
it,  which  will  cause  her  to  eat  more  than  usual.  A  reaction 
will  follow  that  will  restore  the  equilibrium,  if  it  be  allowed  to 
do  so  ;  and  until  it  shall,  she  will  not  need  and  consequently 
will  not  relish  food,  unless  salt  or  some  other  poison  be  added 
to  it,  which  will  again  arouse  her  powers;  but  not  so  intensely, 
for  her  vital  energies  were  injured  by  the  previous  preternatu- 
ral excitement.  After  awhile,  salt  will  be  insufficient  to  arouse 
her  debilitated  powers,  and  .then,  as  our  allopathic  friends 
would  say,  she  will  need  something  stronger  to  improve  her 


THE   DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  377 

poor  appetite.  Cattle  are  benefited  about  as  much  by  taking 
salt,  as  men  are  by  taking  tea,  coffee,  liquor,  tobacco,  opium, 
spices,  and  salt  —  one  and  all  causing  temporary  excitement 
and  permanent  debility,  disease  and  premature  death.  The 
use  of  salt  can  be  defended  only  on  allopathic  principles,  which 
require  one  to  be  stimulated  with  poison  so  long  as  life  shall 
last,  always  increasing  the  stimulant,  poison,  according  to  the 
sluggishness  of  the  system.  If  this  will  not  cause  premature 
death,  we  know  not  what  can. 

"  Nothing  can  be  more  unnatural  than  to  mix  poison  with 
food,  and  yet  nothing  is  more  common." 

The  writer  probably  proposes  to  furnish,  in  the  form  of 
^^ Simon  pure"  a  universal  panacea  for  the  cure  of  all  dis- 
eases. Water  is  unquestionably  one  of  the  indispensables  in 
the  treatment  of  various  forms  of  disease ;  but,  that  it  is  indi- 
cated in  every  form,  I  do  most  emphatically  deny ;  and  I 
consider  the  promulgation  of  such  a  theory  as  fatal  to  the 
success  of  hydropathy.  The  writer  is  down  on  drug-doctors, 
butchers,  bakers,  and,  in  fact,  every  other  individual  in  any 
way  engaged  in  catering  for  the  wants  of  the  "  inner  man." 
According  to  his  mode  of  reasoning,  about  every  thing  a  man 
eats  is  poison.  He  informs  us  that  "  salt  is  the  most  injurious 
poison  in  common  use."  This  is  just  what  a  wiseacre  of  a 
physician  once  affirmed  of  tea,  in  the  presence  of  an  aged  lady 
who  had  drank  it  all  her  lifetime.  She  observed  that  it  was  a 
*'  very  slow  poison ;  for  she  had  partaken  of  it  for  ninety-nine 
years,  and  now  could  play  rough  and  tumble  with  him,  without 
asking  *  odds.* "  I  do  not  understand  what  the  writer's  de- 
finitions of  poisons  are ;  but  when  he  undertakes  to  show  that 
salt  is  poisonous,  and  operates  injuriously  on  a  class  of  animals 
that  come  under  the  especial  jurisdiction  of  veterinary  science, 
I,  as  one  of  its  votaries,  enter  my  protest  against  unsupported 
facts. 

Mr.  Morton,  the  author  of  a  valuable  text  book  on  "  Phar- 
macy," lecturer  on  Veterinary  Materia  Medica,  at  the  "  Royal 
Veterinary  College,"  speaks  of  salt  as  one  of  the  bounties  of 
creation.  "The  diffusion  of  so  valuable,  indeed  indispensable, 
32* 


378         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OP 

an  agent  to  man,  evidences  both  the  wisdom  and  design  of 
Him  who,  having  made  all  things,  pronounced  them  *  very- 
good.'  On  all  the  ruminata,  the  influence  of  this  agent  (salt) 
is  marked ;  nor  are  the  carnivora  less  benefited  by  it.  In 
fact,  it  appears  to  be  the  natural  stimulus  to  the  digestive  or- 
gans of  all  animals.'*  Mr.  Morton's  opinion  is  worth  moie 
than  that  of  a  hundred  speculators,  ashamed  to  sign  their  own 
name,  but  who  screen  themselves  under  initials.  There  exists 
no  analogy,  as  the  writer  would  have  us  believe,  between  a 
natural  stimulus  and  a  manufactured  one ;  the  former  induces 
no  subsequent  depression  of  vitality,  but  preserves  its  identity; 
the  converse  is  the  case  in  the  use  of  the  latter. 

Mr.  Youatt,  whose  opinion  is  also  entitled  to  the  greatest 
respect,  states  that  "  there  is  no  remedy  for  the  rot  in  sheep, 
that  is  of  the  slightest  avail,  in  which  salt  is  not  the  principal 
agent." 

Animals  that  are  permitted  to  roam  in  the  salt  marshes  are 
generally  the  most  healthy ;  they  consume  a  large  amount  of 
saline  material.  The  antiseptic  properties  of  salt  are  too  well 
known  and  appreciated  by  our  husbandmen  ever  to  be  disre- 
garded ;  and  the  farmer  might  as  well  think  of  dispensing  with 
food  altogether,  as  to  think  of  failing  to  season  fodder  with 
salt.  No  animal  can  long  exist  without  it ;  in  the  stomach  it 
operates  favorably,  on  the  liver  it  has  a  physiological  action, 
and  it  also  prevents  the  food  from  running  into  fermentation. 

The  idea  of  salt  being  a  "  destructive  poison,"  is  so  very 
absurd  that  it  does  not  seem  to  require  refutation ;  and  it  is 
only  in  consequence  of  finding  such  matters  occupying  the 
pages  of  a  respectable  journal,  that  I  have  been  induced  to 
notice  them. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  379 


FLUID  EXTRACTS 

OF  MEDICINAL  PREPARATIONS  USEFUL  IN  CATTLE 
PRACTICE. 

(new  kemedies.) 

During  the  past  few  years  I  have  employed  extensively, 
the  fluid  extracts  of  vegetable  medicinal  agents,  and  I  am  sat- 
isfied that  they  possess  many  advantages  over  other  vegetable 
preparations.  They  appear  to  possess  uniformity  of  strength, 
are  very  convenient  to  administer,  and  produce  their  peculiar 
effects  in  small  doses,  and  when  the  bottles  are  properly  corked, 
the  contents  will  keep  for  any  length  of  time.  These  remedies 
can  be  procured  in  almost  every  large  town  in  the  United 
States,  and  I  advise  husbandmen  to  keep  a  few  of  the  most 
useful  on  hand.  From  the  following  list  a  selection  of  neces- 
sary and  useful  articles  can  be  made.  They  are  all  safe  and 
efl&cient,  and  will  never  be  likely  to  do  any  harm,  when  used 
with  discretion. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Bloodroot.  —  This  article  is  used 
in  chronic  pulmonary  affections  and  consumption.  It  is  a 
nauseating  stimulant,  and,  in  consequence  of  its  nauseating 
properties,  it  promotes  diaphoresis.  It  should  be  given  in 
some  kind  of  mucilage.  Dose,  thirty  drops,  twice  daily. 
When  prescribed  for  consumptive  patients,  it  may  be  given  in 
three  ounces  of  cod-liver  oil. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Cayenne.  —  This  is  a  very  useful 
preparation,  destitute  of  the  very  irritating  properties  which 
follow  the  exhibition  of  the  crude  powder.  It  is  a  powerful 
and  pure  stimulant,  useful  in  all  diseases  attended  by  prostra- 
tion or  loss  of  strength.  It  is  also  a  remedy  of  great  value  in 
typhoid  affections,  putrid  sore  throat,  and  in  all  diseases  of 
a  low  type,  or  where  there  is  a  tendency  in  any  part  of  the 
system  to  mortification.  Dose,  from  twenty  to  sixty  drops, 
diluted  with  half  a  pint  of  water. 


380         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Fluid  Extract  of  Chamomile.  —  I  have  found  this 
medicine  of  great  value  in  chronic  diseases  of  digestive  origin. 
It  is  used  principally  for  its  tonic  properties,  hence  is  indicated 
in  all  cases  of  debility,  convalescence  after  an  acute  attack,  and 
in  view  of  restoring  the  appetite,  when  the  animal  is  said  to 
have  lost  its  cud.  Dose,  from  one  to  three  fluid  drachms, 
undiluted. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Cubebs.  —  This  preparation  is  a 
reliable  one  in  the  treatment  of  chronic  catarrh,  nasal  gleet, 
purulent  ophthalmia,  diarrhoea  in  cattle,  and  scouring  in  calves. 

Dose,  one  to  two  fluid  drachms ;  for  a  calf,  half  a  drachm, 
twice  daily.  This  medicine  should  be  given  in  a  small  quan- 
tity of  mucilage  or  honey. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Ginger.  —  Tl^is  is  a  valuable  car- 
minative and  stimulant.  Its  properties,  however,  are  too  well 
known  to  need  description  here.  It  is  used  in  doses  of  from 
one  to  two  drachms,  in  a  pint  of  hot  water,  for  gastric  distress, 
flatulency,  or  tympanites. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Hops.  —  The  properties  of  this  ex- 
tract are  narcotic  and  sedative,  hence  I  recommend  it  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  the  famous  narcotic,  opium,  also  for  the  popular 
sedative,  hellebore,  etc.  Dr.  Matou  has  observed  that,  besides 
allaying  pain  and  producing  sleep,  it  reduces  the  frequency  of 
the  pulse.  The  pulse  has  been  reduced  from  ninety-six  to 
sixty,  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours  after  the  exhibition  of  a  few 
doses  of  a  preparation  of  hops.  I  have  found  it  exceedingly 
eflScacious  in  allaying  pain  in  diseases  of  an  acute  character. 
A  couple  of  ounces,  mixed  with  a  quart  of  tepid  water,  makes 
an  excellent  fomentation  for  painful  swellings  of  joints.  Dose, 
as  a  narcotic  and  sedative,  from  one  to  two  drachms,  twice  or 
thrice  a  day. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Mandrake.  —  This  is  a  substitute 
for  the  now  unpopular  remedy,  calomel.     It  is  supposed  to  act 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  381 

upon  the  system  like  mercury,  yet  does  not  create  a  medicinal 
disease,  nor  does  it  tend  to  convert  the  patient  into  a  walking 
barometer,  as  is  often  the  case  when  the  preparations  of  mer- 
cury are  administered. 

In  cases  of  functional  derangement  of  the  liver,  a  condition 
of  the  animal  which  may  be  known  by  a  yellow  tinge  of  the 
membrane  of  the  mouth,  etc.,  I  administer  it  as  an  alterative. 
Dose,  a  tablespoonful  every  other  day,  until  the  bowels  respond 
to  its  action. 

A  full  dose.  —  One  ounce  will  generally  operate  as  a  cathar- 
tic, but  as  it  is  apt  to  produce  griping  pains,  I  prefer  glauber 
salts  when  a  cathartic  is  indicated. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Matico.  —  This  is  a  reliable  agent 
in  the  treatment  of  chronic  indigestion.  It  is  an  excellent 
tonic  and  aromatic,  and  will  increase  the  appetite  and  promote 
digestion.  Dose,  from  one  to  three  drachms,  morning  and 
evening.  The  powdered  leaves  are  used  for  the  purpose  of 
arresting  internal  and  external  hemorrhages.  Dose,  for  inter- 
nal hemorrhages,  one  drachm.  Externally,  it  may  be  applied 
ad  libitum. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Scullcap.  —  A  valuable  nervine  and 
antispasmodic.  Its  remedial^  power  depends  chiefly  on  its 
essential  oil,  which  the  extract  contains  in  solution.  It  is  indi- 
cated in  all  diseases  of  a  spasmodic  character.  Dose,  from 
one  to  three  fluid  drachms. 

REMARKS  ON  CLYSTERS 

In  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  cattle,  I  recommend  the 
more  general  use  of  clysters ;  for  I  find  that  they  generally 
have  a  very  good  effect,  and  seldom,  if  ever,  do  harm.  They 
not  only  serve  to  evacuate  the  contents  of  the  rectum  and  large 
intestines,  but  also  to  introduce  nourishment  into  the  system 
when  the  animal  is  unable  to  take  any  by  the  mouth. 

In  diseases  of  the  brain,  and  other  anterior  parts  of  the 


382  THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

body,  of  an  acute  character,  a  good  stimulating  and  laxative 
clyster  relieves  the  parts  inflamed,  and  tends,  to  d  certain  ex- 
tent, in  equalizing  the  circulation. 

The  bowels  being  the  seat  of  inflammatory  action,  clysters 
of  tepid  water  are  therefore  indicated ;  they  act  as  aqueous 
relaxents  and  local  fomentators ;  consequently,  when  admin- 
istered with  discretion,  are  always  salutary. 

FORMULA  OF    CLYSTERS. 

Emolient  Olyster, 

Take  of  powdered  slippery  elm,  one  ounce;  tepid  water, 
sufficient  to  form  a  thin  mucilage. 

As  a  substitute  for  slippery  elm,  use  flaxseed,  powdered 
marshmallow-root,  gum  arabic,  or  Iceland  moss.  This  form  of 
clyster  is  indicated  in  all  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  intes- 
tinal canal. 

Laxative  Clyster, 

Powdered  Mandrake, 2  ounces. 

Soap-suds, 2  quarts. 

Another. 

Croton  Farina 2  scruples. 

Warm  Water, 2  quarts. 

A  laxative  clyster  must  necessarily  be  administered  when 
the  faeces  appear  hard  and  blackened. 

Anodyne  Clyster. 

Tincture  of  Indian  Hemp, 1  ounce. 

Warm  Water, 2  quarts. 

This  clyster  is  used  in  cases  of  painful  spasm  of  the  bowels, 
gut-tie,  etc. 

Stimulating  Clyster, 

Pure  Jamaica  Ginger, |  ounce. 

Warm  Water, 2  quarts. 

This  clyster  is  indicated  in  cases  of  torpidity  of  the  bowels  ; 
it  excites  in  them  physiological  action,  and  tends  to  restore 
their  lost  function. 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  383 

Diuretic    Clyster. 

Oil  of  Cedar, 1  otinee. 

Infusion  of  Flaxseed 2  quarts. 

This  form  of  clyster  is  used  with  decided  advantage  in  all 
chronic  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs,  red-water,  etc. 

Astringent  Clyster. 

Powdered  Bayberry  Bark, 1  ounce. 

"         Charcoal, 2  ounces. 

Carbonate  of  Soda, 4  drachma. 

Thin  Flour  Gruel, 2  quarts. 

Useful  in  diarrhoea,  and  scours  in  calves.  To  be  injected 
into  the  rectum,  in  small  quantities^  and  often. 

Nourishing  Clyster. 

Milk  porridge  is  probably  the  best  form  of  nourishing  clyster 
which  can  be  used.  This  should  be  thrown  into  the  rectum,  a 
quart  at  a  time,  several  times  during  the  day. 

The  following  article,  on  the  absorption  of  medicinal  sub- 
stances, is  worthy  the  reader's  attention. 

M.  Briquet  has  paid  much  attention  to  the  study  of  the 
absorption  of  medicinal  substances  introduced  into  the  large  in- 
testines by  means  of  clysters,  and  the  following  is  the  result 
of  his  conclusions  :  — 

"  1.  The  fluid  constituting  the  injection  may  easily  reach 
as  far  as  the  coecum,  and  consequently,  may  be  brought  into 
contact  with  a  very  large  extent  of  absorbing  surface.  2.  The 
mucous  membrane  and  the  fluids  that  bathe  its  surface  do  not 
exert  any  chemical  action  upon  the  substances  so  introduced 
into  the  large  intestine,  where  all  that  is  absorbed  is  that  which 
was  previously  in  a  state  of  solution.  3.  When  a  clyster  of 
the  soluble  salts  of  quinine,  in  doses  less  than  15  grains,  is 
administered,  rather  more  than  a  third  of  the  quantity  so  ad- 
ministered is  eliminated,  and  has  consequently  been  absorbed. 
4.  When  larger  doses  are  administered,  they  are  ill-supported, 
and  only  a  fifth  or  a  sixth  of  the  quantity  is  absorbed.  5.  In 
whatever  dose  the  quinine  may  have  been  given,  it  generally 
gives  rise  to  cerebral  symptoms,  only  very  slowly,  and  to  a 
slight  degree.     6.  Traces  of  elimination,  and  consequently  of 


384         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

absorption,  are  only  met  with  an  hour  after  the  administration 
of  the  clyster,  and  even  then  the  elimination  is  usually  short  — 
two  or  three  days  at  the  utmost.  7.  The  greater  or  less  dilution, 
within  certain  limits,  the  more  or  less  viscous  nature  of  the 
liquid,  or  the  addition  of  the  salts  of  morphine  to  the  chinchona 
alkaloids,  do  not  exert  any  sensible  modification  of  the  absorp- 
tioiv.  8.  Absorption  takes  place  more  readily  in  the  young 
than  in  the  adult,  and  is  performed  with  difficulty  in  the  aged 
of  either  sex. 

"  9.  The  salts  of  quinine,  administered  in  clysters,  in  doses 
of  less  than  15  grains,  exert  the  same  effect  as  when  given  in 
moderate  doses  by  the  mouth,  and  may  be  very  well  substi- 
tuted for  these.  10.  But  this  is  not  the  case  with  large  doses, 
which  are  never  absorbed  in  sufficient  quantities  to  produce 
energetic  effects.  11.  The  large  intestine  will  rarely  tolerate 
a  larger  dose  than  30  grains  of  the  sulphate. 

"  12.  These  conclusions  more  or  less  exactly  apply  to  the 
various  substances  administered  by  clysters.  13.  The  apyre- 
tic  is  notably  more  favorable  to  the  absorption  of  medicinal 
substances  than  the  pyretic  condition.  14.  The  typhoid 
condition  favors  such  absorption  less  than  other  states  of 
phlegmasia.  Nevertheless,  it  is  more  energetic  than  hitherto 
supposed,  being  only  about  a  tenth  inferior  to  the  absorption 
taking  place  in  the  pyretic  condition.  15.  In  diabetes,  the 
absorption  of  medicinal  substances  appears  to  be  very  feeble  in 
the  intestine.  16.  In  certain  diseases,  the  tolerance  or  intol- 
erance of  medicinal  substances  may  depend  upon  a  special 
susceptibility  rather  than  upon  variations  in  absorption.  Thus, 
in  hysteria,  the  tolerance  of  opium  nowise  depends  upon  an 
absence  of  absorption,  but  results  from  a  special  susceptibility. 
17.  The  rapidity  with  which  medicinal  substances,  such  as 
salts  of  quinine,  are  eliminated,  is  in  a  direct  ratio  with  the 
quantity  of  urine  passed.  This  rapidity  is  the  exact  measure 
of  time  which  the  economy  takes  to  rid  itself  of  the  greater 
part  of  fixed  substances  taken  medicinally.  18.  The  absorp- 
tion of  medicinal  substances,  analogous  to  the  salts  of  quinine, 
is  far  more  rapid  in  the  young.     19.  It  is  less  active  in  females 


THE    DISEASES    OF   CATTLE.  385 

than  in  males,  in  the  proportion  of  a  sixth  to  an  eighth.  20. 
Abstracting  from  a  medicinal  effect  the  portion  due  to  the 
quantity  of  the  substance  absorbed,  and  the  remainder  gives 
the  measure  of  the  susceptibility  of  being  influenced  by  the 
medicinal  substance.  —  Buletin  de  Acad^  torn*  xxii,  pp.  237, 
1273 ;  aud  Mediecd  Times  GazeUe, 


MISCELLANEOUS   RECIPES. 
Tonic  oMid  AUer<itive  Drench. 

Infusion  -of  'C&momile, 1  qoait. 

Powdewd  Mandrake, « Idnchok. 

Mix,  and  drench  by  means  of  a  bottle. 

The  akxive  is  a  very  excellent  preparation  for  various  chronic 
diseases  of  the  digestive  organs,  liver  included.  It  acts  as  a 
tonic  and  alterative,  and  in  cases  of  want  of  condition  or  un- 
thriftiness,  and  in  many  cases  of  cutaneous  Jiseaoe,  it  is  an 
invakiable  preparation. 

A  VahuiUe  IHsin/ectanL 

Ctleride  of  Sue, 1  oniMe. 

Bain  Water, 1  gallon.    Mix. 

This  remedy  absorbs  or  neatralires  unwholesome  odors  that 
'accompany  epizootic  and  infectious  affections.  It  is  a  very 
excellent  remedy  for  disinfecting  stables  in  which  glanders  or 
fercy  may  have  prevailed.  Every  thing  within  the  stable 
should  be  washed  with  it  When  an  unpleasant  smell  exists, 
hang  cloths  about  the  stable  saturated  with  the  solution 

Refrigerating  and  Sedative  Lotion. 

fiydrochlonte  of  Ammdnia  (Sal  Ammoniac), 1  Minee. 

Nitrate  «f  Potaua, 1  ounce. 

Water, 1  quart. 

Alcohol, ipint. 

A  cloth  may  be  dipped  into  this  mixture,  and  loosely  tied 
over  the  inflamed  parts.     So  soon  as  it  becomes  dry,  it  should 
be  again  wetted.     Having  continued  the   application  of  the 
33 


386         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

above  until  the  heat  and  tenderness  have  disappeared,  the 
tumefaction,  if  any  remain,  will  generally  disappear  by  making 
a  few  applications  of  the  following :  — 

Glycerine, 1  ounce. 

Iodide  of  Potassium, 2  drachms. 

Mix.     Smear  the  tumor  with  a  portion  of  this,  twice  daily. 

In  chronic  cases  of  long  standing,  the  oil  of  cantharides  is, 
probably,  the  best  remedy,  several  applications  of  which  may 
be  needed  before  the  tumor  disappears. 

To  Protect  Animals  against  Flies, 
Take  four  ounces  of  walnut  leaves,  and  four  quarts  of  boil- 
ing water ;  when  cool,  strain  and  add  a  gill  of  tincture  of 
aloes.     This  may  be  applied  to  the  body,  lightly,  by  means  ol 
a  sponge,  as  often  as  necessary. 

Tincture  of  Matico, 

To  one  pound  of  matico  leaves  add  one  quart  of  Bourbon 
whiskey ;  macerate  for  fourteen  days,  and  pour  off  the  clear 
liquor.  Matico  is  said  to  possess  marvellous  medicinal  proper- 
ties. It  is  a  fine  carminative  stomachic.  Hence  I  recommend  it 
in  cases  of  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs,  especially  if 
attended  with  flatulency.  It  is  slightly  astringent,  and  also 
possesses  the  property  of  coagulating  the  blood ;  consequently 
is  a  good  remedy  in  hemorrhages  of  any  and  every  kind.  I 
have  used  it  with  excellent  results  in  sore  throat,  catarrh,  nasal 
gleet,  and  diarrhoea.  The  dose  is  one  ounce,  two  or  three 
times  per  day.  It  should  be  diluted  with  a  small  quantity  of 
water. 

The  leaves,  powdered,  arrest  local  hemorrhage,  and  aid  in 
the  healing  of  wounds. 

Matico  is  obtained  from  the  interior  of  Peru.  Dr.  Ivoyle 
states  that  —  "Its  properties,  by  analysis,  appear  to  depend 
chiefly  on  its  resin  and  volatile  oil,  its  aqueous  extract  having 
only  a  slightly  bitter  and  astringent  taste. 

"  It  has  also  been  prescribed  in  discharges  of  blood  from  the 
urethra  and  rectum,  as  well  as  in  uterine  hemorrhage,  and  has 


THE    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE.  387 

been  used  as  an  injection  in  leucorrhoea,  and  as  an  external 
application  to  piles,  both  as  an  ointment  and  as  a  lotion." 

Liniment  for  Acute  Lameness, 

OUveOfl, Ipint. 

Chloroform, 1  ounce.    Mix. 

Liniment  for  Indolent  Swelling  in  the  Region  of  Joints, 

Glycerine, 4  ounces. 

Iodine, 1  drachm. 

Spirits  of  Ammonia, 3  drachms.    Mix. 

A  portion  of  this  may  be  rubbed  over  the  swollen  part, 
morning  and  evening. 

Parturient  Drench  after  Protracted  Lahor. 

Tincture  of  Matico, 1  ounce. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Qinger, 1  ounce. 

Warm  Water, , 1  pint.    Mix. 

Antidote  for  the  Bite  of  Venomous  Reptiles. 
Bathe  the  part  with  a  strong  infusion  of  lobelia,  or  plantain 
leaves. 

Fever  Drench, 

Liquor  Acetate  of  Ammonia,    4  ounces. 

Water, » 1  quart. 

This  is  an  excellent  febrifuge  for  cows,  when  thirst  is  urgent 
and  the  appetite  is  impaired. 

Remedy  for  Scouring  in  Calves. 

Phosphate  of  Lime, 1  ounce. 

Tincture  of  Matico, .4  drachms. 

Water, 1  gill 

Drench,  and  repeat  the  dose  if  necessary. 

Remedy  for  the  Cure  of  Itch  and  Mange. 
Take  one  part  of  quicklime,  two  parts  of  sublimated  sulphur, 
and  ten  parts  of  water;  boil  them  until  they  are  perfectly 
united.  The  mixture  should  be  constantly  stirred  with  a 
wooden  spoon  or  piece  of  wood.  When  cool,  pour  off  the 
clear  liquor,  and  rub   a  portion  of  the  same  into  the  skin,  by 


888         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

means  of  a  sponge.     Two  or  three  applications  will  cure  the 
most  inveterate  cases. 

Ointment  for  Outcmeotts  Eruptions. 

Sablimated  Sulphur, , 2  (mnoes. 

Powdered  Slippery  Elm, ^  ounce. 

'^        Bloodroot, 1  ounce. 

Glycerine  sufficient  to  make  the  mass  of  the  consistence  of  ointment. 

The  eruptions  should  be  smeared  once  daily,  with  a  portion 
of  the  above,  and  before  a  new  application  is  made,  the  old 
should  be  washed  off. 

Liniment  for  Burns,  or  Stings  of  Insects. 

Sulphuric  Ether, 2  drachmi. 

Glycerine,    2  ounces . 

Cod-liTcr  Oil, 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  apply  by  means  of  a  sponge. 

Remedy  for  Cutaneous  Parasites. 
Pure  benzole  is  a  specific  for  parasites.     It  is  a  sure  cure, 
and  a  few  applications  will  rid  the  animal  of  all  cutaneous 
pests. 

Iodide  of  Ammonium. 
Take  of  Iodine,  two  drachms ;  Iodide  of  Potassium,  three 
drachms ;  Spirits  of  Hartshorn,  four  ounces ;  Glycerine,  four 
ounces;  Tincture  of  Spanish-Flies,  two  ounces.  This  is  a 
valuable  preparation  for  the  treatment  of  deposits  on  bones ;  it 
is  invaluable  in  the  treatment  of  splents,  spavin,  ringbone,  etc. 

Tincture  of  Capsicum. 

Powdered  Capsicum, 2  ounces. 

Water  and  Alcohol,  of  each,. 1  pint. 

Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  then  pour  off  the  clear  liquor. 
This  is  a  very  powerful  stimulant,  and  is  indicated  in  all  diseases 
of  a  low  type,  or  when  the  stomach  is  in  a  deranged  condition. 
When  applied  externally  it  is  a  good  counter-irritant.  The 
dose,  as  an  internal  remedy,  is  from  one  to  four  drachms,  di- 
luted with  water. 


THK    DISKASKS    OK    CATTLK.  389 

Tincture  of  Lobelia. 

Lobelia  Seeds, 4  ounces 

Water  and  Alcohol,  of  each,. 1  pint. 

,  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  and  then  pour  off  the  clear 
liquor.  Dose,  as  an  anti-spasmodic,  two  drachms,  diluted  with 
warm  water.  So  soon  as  the  animal  begins  to  "5/m'cr"  at  the 
mouth  this  medicine  must  be  discontinued. 

Liquor  Acetate  of  Ammonia. 

Take  of  acetic  acid,  one  part ;  water,  seven  parts ;  carbonate 
of  ammonia  sufficient  to  saturate  the  acid. 

This  preparation  is  made  as  follows :  —  Pour  the  acid  and 
water  into  a  large  wedgewood  mortar,  then  add  small  pieces  of 
carbonate  of  ammonia,  and  pulverize  the  same  in  the  fluid  by- 
means  of  the  pestle ;  an  effervescence  immediately  commences. 
Keep  on  adding  ammonia,  and  pulverize  and  agitate  the  same 
until  effervescence  ceases  ;  then  pour  off  the  clear  liquor  into  a 
stoppered  bottle,  and  it  is  then  fit  for  use.  Dose,  as  a  febrifuge 
and  decarbonizer  of  the  blood,  four  ounces,  diluted  with  a  pint 
of  water. 

Tincture  of  Bloodroot.  • 

Powdered  Bloodroot, 4  ounces. 

Water  and  Alcohol,  of  each, 1  pint. 

Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  and  pour  off  the  clear  liquor. 

This  is  an  excellent  remedy  as  a  dressing  for  canker  and  foot- 
rot.  When  diluted  with  water,  in  the  proportion  of  two  ounces 
of  the  tincture  to  sixteen  ounces  of  water,  it  is  the  very  best 
remedy  that  can  be  applied  for  opacity  or  whiteness  of  the 
cornea  of  the  eye.  In  curable  cases  it  is  a  remedy  which  was 
never  known  to  fail. 

Tincture  of  Goldenseal. 

Powdered  Goldenseal, 6  ounces. 

Water  and  Alcohol,  of  each, 1  pint. 

Steep  for  fourteen  days,  and  pour  off  the  clear  liquor.  Dose, 
one  ounce,  to  be  diluted  with  water.  This  is  a  good  tonic  and 
alterative.     (See  page  426,  "  Modern  Horse  Doctor." 


390         THE  NATURE  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

Caustic  for  Fungoxis  Growths. 

Powdered  Bloodroot, » 

Burnt  Alum }  equal  parte.    Mix. 

First,  rub  a  small  quantity  of  pyroligneous  acid  on  the  fun- 
gus, then  dust  the  parts  with  a  small  portion  of  the  new  caus- 
tic, and  repeat  the  application  twice  daily  until  the  fungus 
disappears. 

Oil  of  Cantharides, 

Powdered  Cantharides,  Spanish  Flies, 1  ounce. 

Linseed  Oil, 7  ounces. 

This  is  a  sort  of  liquid  blister,  and  is  far  preferable  to  the 
common  blistering  ointment.  I  recommend  it  in  all  cases  indi- 
cating, a  blister 

A  Cheap  Refrigerating  or  Cooling  Lotion, 

Acetic  Acid, ; 2  ounces. 

Soft  Water, : 1  pint.    Mix. 

This  mixture  may  be  applied  with  advantage  to  the  external 
surface  in  all  cases  of  strain,  sprain,  or  cutaneous  inflammation. 
In  view  of  relieving  the  inflammatory  action  of  the  part,  it 
must  be  diligently  applied. 


EXPLANATIONS. 


EXPLANATION    OF    CUT    OF   INSTRUMENTS. 

(See  opposite  title  page.) 

1.  Hobbles,  or  Casting  Apparatus. 

2.  Cattle  Probang,  used  for  liberating  gas  from  the  stomach,  or  for 
pushing  downwards  substances  which  may  have  lodged  in  the  gullet. 

3.  Thumb  Lancet,  used  for  the  purpose  of  opening  an  abscess,  or  for 
bleeding. 

4.  Dissecting,  or  Artery  Forceps. 

5.  Gum  Scarificator. 

6.  Tube  for  Obstructions  in  Cows'  Teats. 

7.  Knife  used  in  performing  the  operations  of  Castrating  and  Spaying. 

8.  Bistoury,  used  in  opening  the  Peritoneum. 

9.  Curved  Surgical  Scissors. 

10.  A  Set  of  Suture  Needles. 

11.  Female  Catheter,  for  evacuating  the  bladder  of  urine. 

12.  Midwifery  Tractor,  and  Slip-Noose. 

13.  Instrument  for  reducing  an  inverted  womb. 

14.  Midwifery  Clasp-Hooks,  used  for  the  extraction  of  the  foetus. 

15.  Crainotomy  and  Embryotomy  Knife. 

16.  Mouth-Gag,  used  in  connection  with  the  Probang. 

17.  Trocar,  used  for  puncturing  the  chest  in  dropsy. 

18.  This  is  the  Canula,  which  slips  over  the  Trocar,  and  conducts  the 
water  from  the  chest  when  the  cutting  instrument  —  Trocar  —  is  removed. 

1 9  and  20  are  Trocar  and  Canula  for  puncturing  the  paunch  in  cases  of 
"hoove,"  or  tympanites. 

21.  Tracheotomy  Tube,  used  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  an  animal 
when  afflicted  with  spasm  of  the  larynx,  etc.,  etc. 

22  and  23.    Two  different  views  of  the  shield  of  the  tracheotomy  tube. 


INVERSION  OF  THE  WOMB  AFTER  CALVING. 

1.  The  pudendum. 
2,  6.  Region  of  the  neck  of  the  womb. 

33*  391 


392  EXPLANATIONS. 

4.  Cotylodon,  or  gland  of  the  womb  ;  many  of  which  are  to  be  found 
on  the  internal  surface  of  the  womb,  as  shown  in  the  cut. 

5.  The  fundus  of  the  uterus.  This  is  the  part  to  which  the  blunt  end 
of  the  instrument  is  to  be  applied  when  attempting  to  return  the  inverted 
uterus. 

The  womb  is  inverted  in  the  manner  represented  by  convulsive  efforts 
to  expel  the  fcEtus. 


A  VIEW  OF  SOME  OF  THE  SUPERFICIAL  MUSCLES. 

1 .  Circular  muscle  of  the  lips,  named  orbicularis  oris. 

2.  2.  The  muscle  which  raises  the  upper  lip,  termed  levator  lahii  supe- 
roris. 

3.  A  muscle  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  which  aids  the  motion  of  the  lips, 
termed  zygomaticus. 

4.  The  "  chewing  "  muscle,  or  masseter. 

5.  The  muscle  which  depresses  the  lower  lips,  termed  depressor  lahu 
inferioris. 

6.  The  circular  muscle  of  the  eyelid,  termed  orbicularis  palpebrarum. 

7.  The  muscle  which  raises  the  upper  eyelid,  termed  levator  pa/pebrce 
superioris. 

8.  A  muscle  which  abducts  and  depresses  the  ear,  termed  abducens  vel 
deprimens  aurem. 

9.  A  muscle  which  raises  the  fore  extremity. 

10.  A  muscle  which  aids  in  the  act  of  chewing,  and  also  in  depressing 
the  head.     It  is  called  sterno  maxillaris. 

1 1 .  The  triangular  muscle  over  the  region  of  the  shoulder,  termed 
trapezius. 

12.  This  muscle  draws  the  arm  backwards,  and  aids  the  motions  of  the 
trunk.     It  is  named  latissimus  dorsi. 

13.  A  muscle  of  the  chest  known  as  pectoralis  magnus. 

14.  14.  An  abdominal  muscle  called  external  oblique. 
14.  A  muscle  of  the  haunch,  known  as  the  gluteus. 

16.  The  muscles  in  this  region  aid  in  extending  the  thigh;  the  region 
is  the  seat  of  the  fascia  lata. 

17  and  18.  Muscles  known  as  biceps  and  triceps. 
19.  An  abdominal  muscle,  termed  transverse. 


EXPLANATION  OF  CUT  OF  THE  HEART. 

1,1,  and  3.  Divided  surfaces  of  the  left  ventricle. 

2.  One  of  the  divided  surfaces  of  right  ventricle. 

4.  Large  fleshy  eminence  or  pillar  within  the  left  ventricle. 


EXPLANATIONS.  393 

6.  Mitral  valve. 

15,  7,  24.  The  right  auricular  region. 

8.  Base  of  the  left  auricle. 

10,  10.  Division  of  the  valves  on  the  left  side  of  the  heart. 

12.  The  vena  cava,  which  empties  the  venous  blood  into  the  right 
auricle. 

13.  Carnae  columnse,  or  fleshy  pillars  within  the  right  ventricle. 

14.  A  portion  of  the  tricuspid  valve. 

15.  The  region  of  the  left  auricle. 

16.  16.  Pulmonary  veins,  which  return  the  blood  from  the  lungs  to  the 
left  auricle. 

17.  Great  aorta. 

19.  A  probe  inserted  into  one  of  the  pulmonary  veins.  (The  lower 
end  of  the  probe  should  be  seen  at  6,  but  the  artist  has  failed  to  show  it.) 

20.  A  probe  inserted  into  one  of  the  pulmonary  arteries  ;  the  other  ar- 
tery is  in  close  contact  with  the  former :  they  both  carry  blood  to  the 
lungs  for  oxygenation. 

22,  which  is  seen  under  14,  is  the  tendinous  cords  of  the  right  ventricle. 

22,  22,  22,  are  the  transverse  bands  running  across  the  ventricles. 

23,  23,  23.  The  tendinous  cords  of  the  left  ventricle. 

24.  Base  of  the  right  auricle. 

25.  A  portion  of  the  os  cordis,  or  bone  of  the  heart. 


STRUCTURE  OF  THE  HEAD  AND  HORNS. 

1 .  The  osseous,  or  bony  structure  of  horn. 

2.  The  frontal  bone. 

3.  3.  The  frontal  sinus,  which  extends  from  the  bones  of  the  nose 
nearly  up  to  the  tip  of  the  horn. 

4.  The  round,  or  condyloid  process,  and  the  region  where  the  spinal 
marrow  passes  from  the  skull. 

5.  The  cranial  cavity  in  which  the  brwn  is  lodged. 
6.'  A  portion  of  the  temporal  bone. 

7.  Inlet  to  the  ear. 

8.  Internal  surface  of  the  cheek  bone.  • 
13,  14.  Portion  of  the  aethmoid  and  sphenoid  bones. 

18.  The  aethmoid  bone. 

19.  Turbinated  bone 


394  EXPLANATIONS. 

EXPLANATION  OF  THE  PLATE  OF  DISEASED  BONES. 

1,2.  Dilatation  of  the  shank  bone  —  beneath  the  knee  of  a  cow.  The 
bone  is  sawn  through  its  centre  for  the  purpose  of  showing  the  interior ; 
which,  the  reader  will  perceive,  is  very  much  dilated,  especially  about  the 
centre  of  the  bone.  Before  the  death  of  the  animal  this  cavity  was  oc- 
cupied by  matter  resembling  pus. 

2.  Shows  the  exterior  of  1. 

3.  This  is  a  case  of  caries,  or  ulceration  of  the  jaw  bone. 

4.  This  constitutes  dilatation  of  the  jaw  bone,  a  disease  similar  to  that 
shown  in  1. 

5.  This  is  a  specimen  of  malignant  disease  of  the  jaw  bone  known  as 
cancer.  Cancer  has  no  respect  for  tissues,  but  involves  all  contiguous 
parts  in  ruin. 

6.  This  is  non-malignant  tumor,  and  is  occasioned  by  a  disease  known 
as  ostitis  A  small  orifice  will  be  perceived  at  the  upper  part  of  the  tumor 
through  which  the  extensor  tendons  passed,  and  thus  their  free  action 
was  secured  ;  therefore,  as  the  disease  respected  the  tissues  in  the  imme- 
diate vicinity,  I  call  it  non-malignant. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  "LADY  WASHINGTON." 

The  mammoth  cow,  "  Lady  Washington,"  whose  portrait  i§  truthfully 
delineated  in  the  cut,  is  the  property  of  Winthrop  W.  Chenery,  Esq.,  of 
Belmont,  Mass.  She  was  dropped  Feb.  22,  1854,  and  is,  therefore,  now 
but  five  years  old.  Her  weight  is  three  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty 
pounds  !  This  extraordinary  growth  has  not  been  attained  by  high  feed- 
ing, as,  from  a  calf  to  the  age  of  two  years,  she  was  herded  with,  and 
fared  the  same  as,  ordinary  calves  and  yearlings.  The  third  and  fourth 
summers,  when  the  feed  became  short  in  the  pasturej  she  had  a  little  meal. 
She  is  of  the  Durham  breed,  from  a  stock  known  in  the  vicinity  of  Lake 
Cham  plain  as  the  "Keyes  Importation."  She  was  raised  in  Pittsford, 
Vt.  Her  dam  was  a  first  rate  milker,  and  of  extraordinary  size ;  her 
weight,  when  not  quite  five  years  old,  having  been  two  thousand  pounds. 

"Lady  Washington"  has  dropped  three  calves  —  the  two  last  having 
weighed,  at  birth,  respectively,  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine,  and  one 
hundred  and  thirty-two  pounds.  Her  last  calf,  when  five  months  and 
six  days  old,  weighed  six  hundred  and  twenty  pounds,  and  before  reach- 
ing the  age  of  twelve  months  his  weight  was  twelve  hundred  pounds. 
She  is  now  in  calf  by  the  imported  Dutch  bull,  "  Dutchman,"  from  which 
cross  her  owner  anticipates  highly  gratifying  results. 


EXPLANATIONS.  395 

This  cow  is  the  largest  I  have  ever  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing.  She 
is  of  elephantine  proportions,  as  the  reader  will  perceive  by  the  contrast 
between  her  and  an  Ayrshire  cow,  which  the  artist  has  introduced  for  the 
purpose  of  judging  of  her  form  and  size. 


mw^. 


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